Vinh Nguyen, owner and head chef of The Airliner, is teaming up with Chef Evelyn Yap (who previously spent time at the Michelin-starred Bangkok restaurant Cadence by Dan Bark) for a summer collaboration menu. The new menu will make several of her signature creations available alongside the restaurant’s classics from mid-July through the end of September

Yap is a Singaporean who spent seven years in Thailand, during which she was the opening sous chef at Cadence. A few of her dishes this summer include Trat-style fish and chips, hamachi ceviche, short rib Rendang, and papaya salad. Airliner classics like Shanghai triple-onion noodles and black sesame brown-butter rice Krispy treats are on the summer menu as well.

The century-old historic bar in Lincoln Heights closed briefly in 2023 and reopened after a refresh to the relief of locals.

The Airliner

Courtesy The Airliner

On Friday, July 31, third-generation owner Christy Vega will welcome her cousin, Michelin-starred chef Javier Plascencia, to reimagine Casa Vega classics through the lens of Baja California’s celebrated cuisine. 

Joining Plascencia will be Michelin-starred chef and cousin Oscar Torres; Michelin-recognized sommelier and cousin Loren Plascencia; acclaimed chefs Colibrí Jiménez, Norah de Vegaz, and Melissa Navarro; and celebrated Bruma winemaker Lulu Martínez.

A limited-time à la carte and prix fixe menu will be complemented by a Baja oyster station, curated Baja wine pairings, and culinary activations throughout the restaurant, including the newly opened Ray Vega Patio. Following the July 31st event, the residency will continue with select reenvisioned dishes offered through August. Make reservations here.

The Airliner

Chefs Christy Vega and Javier Plascencia (Courtesy of Casa Vega)

 

Terranea Resort will host its Third Annual Food and Wine Festival on Sunday, July 26, with unlimited tastings from Terranea’s restaurants alongside signature dishes from other regional chefs and restaurants, as well as pours from leading wineries, breweries, and spirit partners. Live entertainment by Kaylyn and Astro Yachts will serve as the backdrop for participating restaurants, including   Mar’sel, Catalina Kitchen, Bashi, Nelson’s, The Little Door, Jame Enoteca, ¡Jaime! Taqueria, Bruxie, The Rex, Saint & Second, Miller Butler, Chachi’s, Japonica, Slice & Pint, Sushi Petushi, Noga Bread, and Wild Roots.

Featured beverage partners include Catalina View Wines, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Caymus Vineyards, Silver Oak, Grgich Hills Estate, Flowers Winery, Duckhorn Vineyards, Cakebread Cellars, Williams Selyem, Mionetto, Veuve Clicquot, Chandon, Whispering Angel, Three Weavers Brewing, Smog City Brewing, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Ketel One Vodka, Nolet’s Gin, Cutwater, Suerte Tequila and more.

What’s Popping Up is a column in the L.A. Weekly that explores everything new in food and drink