Coal-Fired NYC Pizza Spot Grimaldi’s Quietly Closed Seven-Year-Old LA Location

Coal-fired pizza operation Grimaldi’s, which began as a single location in New York City, has quietly closed its prominent West Coast location in El Segundo. The East Coast transplant had been in the seaside city near LAX since 2014 before suddenly closing at the end of September. Shortly after, the company sent out a small notice to its rewards members saying that its new Santa Monica takeaway location at 2501 Colorado Avenue would be “coming soon” instead.

Reached for comment, reps for Grimaldi’s say the closure was “purely a business decision,” adding that they “are so grateful for the support of the El Segundo community over the years and value every member of our Grimaldi’s family, including our guests.” The next closest location for Grimaldi’s, meanwhile, is Las Vegas.

Meat and fire meet again

A Study of Fire is back at Terra inside of Italy in Century City. The open-fire cooking event series returns with chef Norberto Piattoni on Wednesday, October 20 offering a variety of meats and charred and smoked produce and sides.

A slew of new faces around Los Angeles

The La Venta Inn event space and property in Palos Verdes has officially reopened, and is now being overseen by Meg Walker of Made by Meg Catering. Meanwhile West Hollywood Hotels (Chamberlain West Hollywood, Montrose West Hollywood, Le Park Suite Hotel, the Grafton on Sunset) has handed the executive chef reins to longtime San Francisco chef Jason Moniz. Erin Reynolds will act as the group’s overall food and beverage director, and previously worked at places like the Parker in Palm Springs. Over at AOC (Brentwood and West Hollywood), Ligia Rossi is now in as group pastry chef.

Greek scoops in Downtown LA

Ellenos Greek yogurt is popping up at Grand Central Market all month long, running Friday through Sunday across October with its very own scoop cart serving flavors like pumpkin pie, marionberry, and more.

Deli talk at the LA Times

The LA Times is talking Jewish delis as part of its ongoing podcast series called the Times. The podcast is hosted by Gustavo Arellano and features guests Rob Eshman from the Forward and Megan Tucker, chef of vegan Jewish deli Mort & Betty’s.

A good burger for Culver City

Monty’s Good Burger has opened a new neon-tinged location in the heart of Culver City. The all-vegan fast casual restaurant lands at 3849 Main Street with its usual menu of burgers, fries, and tots, plus a new Charlie’s faux chicken sandwich.

A sudden loss in West Adams

Sommelier Ruben Morancy, who oversaw the beverage side of Alta and Adams Wine Shop (and was formerly the wine director of Coi in San Francisco), has died. See below for a thoughtful tribute from Alta chef Keith Corbin.