The Biggest Names in LA Barbecue Are All Plotting New Locations

Some of LA’s most prolific barbecue restaurants are almost ready to stretch their legs. Kevin Bludso, of Bludso’s Bar & Que, said recently on the Air Jordan food podcast that he and his partners are in talks on a possible Glendale location, which could even come with the ability to smoke outdoors on an off-set smoker. Meanwhile Slab, the Burt Bakman and H.Wood Group collaboration spot on West Third Street, is also reportedly considering a second location further west, on the other side of the 405. Add in Moo’s Craft Barbecue, which is actively seeking a permanent location, and the upcoming Heritage Barbecue opening in Orange County, and suddenly the Southern California smoked meat scene is looking stronger than ever.

And in other news:

— Sommelier Rick Arline (Auburn) teased an opening of his own place in Los Angeles recently on the Fork in the Road podcast.

— Kobee Factory in Van Nuys has reopened for dine-in service.

— An online bake sale for charity is happening on Friday, with desserts available from some of LA’s biggest names including Zoe Nathan, Dulan’s on Crenshaw, Providence, and more.

— This year’s Burger Week (July 12 - July 18) spans across Southern California, with FoodBeast and the Fork Report teaming up for a full week of specialty burgers from places like Salt Creek Grille in Dana Point, and the Raymond 1886 in Pasadena.

— 101 Noodle Express has closed in Arcadia, per reporter Kristie Hang.

— Perle Restaurant has opened for limited service in Pasadena. The small French restaurant is now selling bottles of wine, before a wider reopening in the coming weeks.