Food & Nightlife

Pig 'n Whistle Finalizing Plans to Return to Old Home in Fine Arts Building

By Eric Richardson — August 19, 2009 — 8 Comments

Pig'n Whistle in the Fine Arts Building Keystone Photo Service / USC Digital Archives

While the ink hasn't reached a contract, it looks like the Pig'n Whistle restaurant is set to make its return to Downtown, reopening in the Fine Arts Building space that it occupied between 1926 and 1952.

The move comes two and a half years after the eatery had been linked to that same space, a deal that eventually fell through. "The history in that space has always intrigued me," said Pig'n Whistle owner Chris Breed today. "I think it's my fate." — Continued Inside...


Colorfully Playful, Rosa Mexicano is L.A. Live's Latest Addition

By Rich Alossi — August 14, 2009
7 Comments

Rosa Mexicana

|Photo Gallery| Capping off restaurant openings at the brand-new entertainment center, Rosa Mexicano opens its doors today at L.A. Live. The New York-based Mexican entrant is the latest in a string of high-end Latin restaurants to open in Downtown this year, among them Rivera Restaurant, Provecho, Yxta Cocina Mexicana, and Casa Cocina y Cantina.


Syrup Desserts Opening Its Doors for Art Walk

By Eric Richardson — August 13, 2009
1 Comment

Syrup Desserts

A real opening won't come for another two weeks or so, but those who have been eagerly awaiting Syrup Desserts might want to pay a stop by the Spring street eatery today during the Downtown Art Walk. Syrup plans to open at noon, serving a limited menu the rest of the day.


Sandella's Flatbread Cafe Opens on 7th Street

By Rich Alossi — August 12, 2009

Sandella's Flatbread Cafe, Downtown Los Angeles

|Photo Gallery| Last September, Sandella's Flatbread Cafe announced a new location in Downtown Los Angeles at the Mandel Building. Nearly a year later, the fast-casual cafe is in soft-opening mode, offering pizza-style grilled flatbreads (a thin, unleavened dough), wraps and paninis to passersby on 7th Street.


Elevate Lounge Marks Two Years Atop Downtown

By Eric Richardson — August 10, 2009

Elevate

Two years ago today, Elevate Lounge opened on the 21st floor of 811 Wilshire. Along with Takami Sushi, which opened a few days later, the restaurant and lounge occupy 14,000 square feet, half of which is outdoor patio space.


Homegirl Cafe Adds Dinner Service

By Ed Fuentes — August 10, 2009 — 1 Comment

HomeboyIndustries Ed Fuentes

Dinner is now being served at Homegirl cafe in Chinatown. The two-year-old eatery has added evening service on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from 5:30 to 9pm.

An expanded menu gives diners the option to build their own enchiladas or chiles rellenos and features unique appetizers like the apple and onion rings that have sprinkles of cinnamon and cayenne pepper. — Continued Inside...


Hygge, a Comforting Neighbor in South Park

By Rich Alossi — August 06, 2009 — 15 Comments

Hygge Bakery, Downtown Los Angeles Rich Alossi

|Photo Gallery| Hygge: Pronounced "hoo-geh," the nearest English translation of the Danish word means "comfortable" or "cozy." But as Hygge Bakery's owner Rasmus Lee explains it, there's no clear analogy.

"It's a verb that means 'to enjoy life,'" Lee points out, explaining that life in the States is much more fast-paced than Europe.

Though it's only been in soft-opening mode for just over a month, the new Danish bakery in South Park has already gained a loyal following of local loftees and a surprising number of Danes living in the region. You can bet word travels fast. — Continued Inside...


Clifton's Puts Building Up for Sale as Business Struggles

By Eric Richardson — August 04, 2009
10 Comments

Clifton's Cafeteria

Clifton's Cafeteria on Broadway may be a cultural icon, but lately that hasn't translated into sales for the historic eatery. The family that owns the restaurant has put the Broadway building up for sale just three years after finally acquiring it and ending 71 years of rent payments.


Conga Room Latin Dance Championship Ends With Grand Finale Dance-Off

By Ed Fuentes — July 24, 2009
3 Comments

Winners Circle

Two months of competition led to the crowning of a winner at the Conga Room's Latin Dance Championship on Thursday night. Martin Gonzalez and Gabriela Equiz emerged victorious after a dance-off between three couples, broadcast live on Univision.


Club 740 Survives Revocation Process, but Receives New Conditions

By Eric Richardson — July 23, 2009

Just like nobody else Daniel

Club 740 has survived revocation proceedings that could have closed the venue, but will be forced to operate under tougher conditions according to a determination letter sent out today by the city's Zoning Administrator.

The 838-person club has a checkered history Downtown. While it is acknowledged for bringing life back to a historic theater, the venue also had a history of violent crime and noise issues.

After a four-hour hearing held in February, representatives of the club worked with LAPD and the Council office to draft new conditions that would allow the club to remain open. — Continued Inside...