Chef Michael Mina’s Next LA Project Is a Restaurant Inside a Health Club

Chef Michael Mina’s food presence is about to shift in Los Angeles with a restaurant called Mother Tongue, inside a forthcoming fitness facility called Heimat on the corner of La Brea and Romain. Heimat will feature Mina’s restaurant, a gym, day spa, rooftop pool, jacuzzi, and outdoor bar with skyline views. The facility is slated to open in a former co-working space in early 2022.

Mother Tongue came about when Mina Group partnered with RSG Group, which owns Gold’s Gym and other fitness facilities. The menu will emphasize plant-based and whole foods. Of all cities to launch Mother Tongue and Heimat, Los Angeles seems like an ideal place to try it, given this combination of fitness and dining. Via a press release, Mother Tongue is described as “a place for a night out for dinner with friends, a happy hour cocktail, a business lunch or breakfast with colleagues.”

Pinky’s return

Los Feliz bar Pinky’s — by the Atrium team — reopened this week with a new drink menu dedicated to 1980s beach culture. Beverage director Aly Iwamoto invented the latest cocktails, including the three day weekend with bourbon, pineapple rum, and banana. If food is needed while imbibing, try the birria or potato tacos.

New soul food in L.A. Live

Former Phoenix Suns Kevin Johnson opens Fixins Soul Kitchen at L.A. Live on Monday, October 18, inside the former Shaquille’s restaurant (referring to Laker legend Shaquille O’Neal). Fixins Soul Kitchen’s original location is in Sacramento (Johnson was the city’s 55th mayor), with traditional soulful offerings like fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, and a deep-fried deviled egg.

Fall wine dinner at Union in Pasadena

Pasadena’s Union is hosting a seven-course dinner with winemakers Wenzlau Vineyard and Habit Wine on October 19. Tickets are $175 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. For reservations, email logan@unionpasadena.com.

Dodger beer and super fans

After the Dodgers NDLS victory against the San Francisco Giants last night, it’s good timing to note that a fan chose the name of the team’s official beer by Golden Road Brewing. After thousands of submissions, Dodgers fan Zack Gardea invented the winning name: Brew Heaven. For his service, Gardea will receive VIP tickets to a 2022 Dodgers game of his choice, a $350 gift card, and a chance to meet Justin Turner in real life.

Senator Alex Padilla’s roll technique

In case you missed it, Pacoima-born California senator Alex Padilla went a bit viral this week, by showing off some serious tortilla skills while being interviewed by L.A. Taco.