Michele StuevenLocal Kitchens will host an exclusive burger pop-up with award-winning chef and cookbook author Alvin Cailan at its new Studio City location on Friday, Aug.15. The one-night-only event will include a meet and greet with the chef, a limited-time burger offering (available for that evening only), and live music from Los Angeles DJ SoSuperSam. There will also be the opportunity to win signed copies of Cailan’s cookbook, Amboy, and each attendee will be entered to win a $100 gift card to both Local Kitchens and Amboy, along with a signed copy of the cookbook.
Cailan is best known as the chef and creative force behind Eggslut and Amboy, and as the host of First We Feast’s “The Burger Show.” The event is free, but registration is required to join the meet and greet and be entered to win prizes | register for tickets via Eventbrite
Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 20, the historic Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in Little Tokyo will open its tranquil garden oasis and culinary center to the public for Izakaya Sunsets, a contemporary Japanese pub-inspired lounge experience that blends the traditions of Japan with LA energy. Chef Gary Matsumoto (formerly of Azay, Hansei, and Alan Wong’s Honolulu) will prepare izakaya-inspired small dishes featuring seasonal produce, accompanied by a selection of beer, sake, and shochu. Every month through November, there will be a variety of otsumami, or traditional bar snacks, prepared by Matsumoto, according to the season.
Izakaya Sunsets (Courtesy JACCC)
The inaugural summer menu hangs on noren above the chef’s counter, and centers around chilled staples like seared wagyu beef tataki, smoked potato salad with marinated ikura and arare, and nostalgic comforts served during the warmer months like hiyashi chuka, a Chinese-style cold ramen dish filled with ham, tamago, fresh toppings, and meiji tofu hiyayakko topped with a dashi gelee and ginger. September’s menu centers around late summer produce as well as yakitori and kushiyaki, while October highlights root vegetables, braises, and warm noodle soup. Reserve a seat online with a $5 traditional otoshi, an entrance charge that includes a complimentary small dish served with your first order.
NeueHouse Hollywood goes off menu with Chef Diego Argoti for an inventive one-night-only culinary experience. The four-course dinner will be served family-style at communal tables, designed to encourage connection and conversation among guests. Feast upon stuffed squid head, duck with llapingachos (stuffed potatoes), tomato melon salad, and beef tongue pasta. Purchase tickets here.
Easy Does It is a new non-alcoholic beer brand launching in LA this week from pro skater Erik Ellington. The longtime LA local is 11 years sober and has turned his personal passion project into something for those who still want the taste, the hang, the vibe, and not the fallout. It’s brewed with Gabe Fletcher of Anchorage Brewing and co-founded with Jon Warren from Herschel and Vans and Kellen Roland from GOOD GROUP. It’s popping up this month at Albertsons, BevMo, Vons, and Gopuff and comes in at only 65 calories.
What’s Popping Up is a column in the L.A. Weekly that explores everything new in food and drink.
Pro skater Erik Ellington (Courtesy Easy Does It)