Michele StuevenSet to open late summer 2022, Hart House is a modern quick-service restaurant founded by Kevin Hart that will feature plant-forward food including sandwiches, salads, nuggets, fries, tots and milkshakes free from antibiotics, hormones, artificial colors, preservatives, or high-fructose corn syrup. Hart aims to disrupt quick-service with an affordable plant-based alternative made with respect for people, animals, and the ecosystem, with responsibly sourcing ingredients and using less energy in their operations. Hart House’s flagship will be located in Westchester on Sepulveda near LAX, followed by a location in Hollywood.
The Pier House in Venice has undergone a redesign both inside and out with a new menu and a clean new look. Owner Mike Dobson and the team behind the Venice Restaurant Group that includes Baja Cantina have elevated the seafood shack menu with new items from chef TK including chef Thai Ceviche, Scallops with Habanero Garlic Confit, Hamachi with Bonito Flakes, Sirloin Sliders, Pork Katsu and Seared Salmon. Crafted cocktails curated by Beverage Director Jesse Smith, like the Great Blue (Dos Hombres Mezcal, Xila Liqueur, Citrus, Thai Basil, Habanero), and the Come My Way (The Real Mccoy 3 Year Rum, Banana Liqueur, Campari, Strawberry, Citrus) have been added as well to the newly designed light and beachy indoor/outdoor space.
Courtesy Hart House
Ace Hotel DTLA is kicking off summer on Tuesday, June 21, with multiple wellness activations, and food and beverage deals throughout the property. LOAM, the lobby-floor, community-garden inspired restaurant will extend its ‘Golden Hour’ specials all day long, which will include $1.50 oysters, $10 burgers, $10 natural wines, and more. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Good Boy Wine, the small batched natural wine, will pop up in the second floor mezzanine for a curated wine tasting. The rooftop Upstairs will offer tarot readings and bio-energy in the lounge and poolside, fresh coconuts from CocoDealers, a custom rolling paper station by Papers + Ink Studio from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., and sound baths by Crystal Healing Sound. Men’s haircuts by Mr. Brother’s Cut Club and flash tattoos by Uh Huh Honey also will be available on the second floor from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. Live DJs will help usher in the summer equinox at each location throughout the day and night. The events throughout the property are accessible to all, with cost ranging per vendor service.
In honor of Pride month, 25 Degrees at The Hollywood Roosevelt has debuted The Queen B – a wagyu beef burger with truffle tremor cheese, Bull’s Blood Microgreens, crispy fried shallots, black garlic aioli on a brioche bun, served with a Blue Moon or a side of garlic fries. The specialty burger is joined by The Honey B, a boozy milkshake made with Jack Daniel’s honey whiskey topped with real honeycomb and whipped cream (also comes in a virgin version.)
Courtesy The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
In celebration of Season 4 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Prime Video is bringing the spirit of Maisel’s New York City to Los Angeles, with a two-day activation dubbed “Making LA Marvelous.” Open to fans on Saturday, June 18, and Sunday, June 19, the pop-up will transport guests into the world of the popular series featuring sets inspired by the fourth season. Taking place at 8175 Melrose Ave., interactive elements from Season 4 include mahjong tables, a roving magician, a Coney Island photo-op, a detailed recreation of Susie’s office (designed by production designer Bill Groom), and appearances from some of New York’s iconic establishments, including Russ & Daughters, and Blue Note Jazz Club.
Courtesy CHICKIES Hot Chicken
And in more Kevin Hart news, Tastemade and Netflix are bringing to life the upcoming film starring the comedian, The Man From Toronto, through a dining experience at L.A. hot spot, La Cha Cha Cha – “Teddy Tables.” The film follows Teddy (Hart), a New York City screw-up who finds himself in a heap of trouble when he is mistaken for the “Man From Toronto” (Woody Harrelson). On June 24 and June 25, audiences can skip the waitlist and grab a reservation at La Cha Cha Cha, which will include a multi-course meal with two complimentary drinks and an appetizer inspired by the film. A limited number of reservations will be available beginning June 22 HERE (will go live 6/22).
CHICKIES Hot Chicken makes its WeHo debut with a summer pop-up at Skybar at Mondrian. The poolside menu includes the Chickies Original Sandwich, chicken tenders, grilled cheese, birria tacos, loaded fries, mango, coconut and strawberry ice cream. CHICKIES Hot Chicken is available every Friday to Sunday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Esquire has just unveiled its 2022 Best Bars in America list of 25 noteworthy watering holes coast to coast and everywhere in between, and Mirabelle in Valley Village made the cut:
Mirabelle: Tucked between a kosher deli and a bakery on an otherwise unremarkable block in Valley Village is the best wine bar in town. Walk through the door into a cozy hunting lodge, where the music is played on cassettes and the wine list offers everything from a solid Napa cabernet to a Tavkveri from the country of Georgia. It’s the city’s best-kept secret. The Best Bars in America list is featured in the Summer Issue, out now, and online here.
What’s Popping Up is a weekly column in the L.A. Weekly that explores all that’s new in food and drink.