Christine Chiao

Tom Bergin's Tavern; Credit: Flickr/joebehr

Tom Bergin's Tavern Reopens This Saturday

Tom Bergin's Tavern on Fairfax had a somewhat rocky year in 2013, closing in July after it had undergone extensive renovations in 2012. And now, the 77-year-old Irish pub is really celebrating the new year, as it reopens this Saturday, Jan. 4, under new owner Derek Schreck......
Iced coffee at Home Brewed Bar; Credit: C. Chiao

December Roundup of Restaurant Openings and Closings

December rounds out a year that's seen the closure of longtime institutions like Empress Pavilion and the introduction of restaurants that have shown a lot of promise in becoming classics in their own right. While it's too early to say which among the new will become a  favorite, there's been......
soba; Credit: Flickr/

A Quick Food Guide to Bringing Good Luck in 2014

You can mark a new year with some drugstore bubbly, or you can try ringing in 2014 with a food tradition meant to bring good luck. There's plenty to pick from, whether it's enjoying a slice of vasilopita, a citrus-flavored cake, in Greece or pulling up a chair for media......
Cornmeal muffin with shrimp étouffee; Credit: Lelah Foster

The Must Bar Downtown Reopens

After shutting down on Fifth Street in the summer of 2010, the Must Bar had its grand reopening last Thursday, Dec. 19. It's welcome news for those who missed the first iteration -- enough to pour out their disappointment months after its close. Owners Coly Den Haan and Rachel Thomas......
Scallion pancake at A  Credit: C. Chiao

3 Great Scallion Pancakes in San Gabriel Valley

A Chinese scallion pancake bears little resemblance to the American breakfast classic that shares a part of its name: It's a savory pancake shaped from a water-based dough rather than a batter. The decision to eat one, pan-fried in no moderate amount of oil, is a tacit agreement to set......
Snookie s'mores mini pies at Fred 62; Credit: Moretti Photo

16 Great Restaurants for Christmas Eve Dining

Christmas is laden enough with expectations, between putting up decorations and shopping for gifts -- so much so that an elaborate meal is maybe the last thing you want to plan. So we gathered together a list of Los Angeles restaurants that will do your Christmas Eve dinner cooking for......