You can order Spam musubi and dill pickle shave ice at this Hawaiian restaurant in Playa Vista
From a swanky new cocktail bar in Costa Mesa to poke in Playa Vista, here’s what’s happening in the world of food and drink:
More L.A. poke: “Top Chef†alum Brooke Williamson and her husband, Nick Roberts, have opened a restaurant in Playa Vista called Da Kikokiko (try and say that three times fast). The couple’s fifth project — they are also behind Hudson House, the Tripel, Playa Provisions and Tripli-Kit — is a casual Hawaiian restaurant that serves customizable poke bowls, build-your-own shave ice (there’s a dill pickle topping) and musubi. 12746 Jefferson Blvd.,, Playa Vista, (424) 835-4192, www.dakikokiko.com
A cocktail holiday: Social Management Group, the hospitality company behind the Bassmnt nightclub in downtown San Diego, has opened a new cocktail bar in Costa Mesa called Holiday. The bar is in the space formerly occupied by the Lion’s Den nightclub. Every Thursday through Saturday night, the lounge offers music and craft cocktails inspired by the 1920s. There’s a drink called Gatsby, made with coconut water and cinnamon syrup; and something called On Holiday, made with rye, ginger, orange juice, Angostura bitters and soda. And to snack on with your drinks, there’s complimentary popcorn with flavors such as cinnamon roll, jalapeno and white cheddar cheese. 719 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, (949) 371-9992, www.holidaycm.com
Smorgasburg: The weekly Sunday outdoor food market at the Alameda Produce Market in downtown Los Angeles has some events lined up for the next couple of weeks. First is a Mexican-themed Oktoberfest called Octubrefest with Guelaguetza and the MicheMobil. Expect chorizo tlayudas from Guelaguetza and Micheladas and local craft beers in the MicheMobil beer garden. On Nov. 13 and 20, DTLA Cheese will be at Smorgasburg for a two-week pop-up with DTLA Cheese owner Lydia Clarke, who will give tips for how to build the perfect cheese platter. There also will be cheese-themed specials from the regular vendors. At the Alameda Produce Market, between Alameda and Bay streets, downtown Los Angeles; every Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. la.smorgasburg.com
Knuckle, claws and clams: The Knuckle & Claw location in Santa Monica will reopen Friday with an expanded menu and a new back patio. In addition to the lobster rolls the restaurant is known for at its Santa Monica and original Silver Lake locations, owners Nikki Booth and Chloe Dahl are introducing a raw bar, grilled lobster, grilled artichoke, grilled Pacific Northwest Dungeness crab, an IPA lobster bisque, more clam chowder and a lobster mac and cheese. The back patio will be reservation only after 5 p.m. 2715 Main St., Santa Monica, (310) 399-9939, www.knuckleandclaw.com
Plan Check by the water: Plan Check Kitchen + Bar owner and founder Terry Heller has opened a location of the restaurant in Santa Monica. The fourth Plan Check location has 11 new dishes and drinks by executive chef Sean Yontz, including a Nashville hot fish sandwiches, lobster rolls, lobster pot pies and a Key lime pie doughnut. 1401 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, (310) 857-1364 www.plancheck.com
New LAX eats: Planet Hollywood and Earl of Sandwich will open locations right next to each other in Tom Bradley International Terminal at the Los Angeles International Airport next month. Both restaurants will be sit-down with around 125 seats. Planet Hollywood will have a to-go window as well. 1 World Way, Los Angeles. www.earlofsandwichusa.com
Still hungry? The Pie Hole will open a location at the Americana at Brand in Glendale later this year. Las Perlas in downtown L.A. has started serving brunch every weekend from 1 to 4 p.m. Rori’s Artisanal Creamery will open a location in West Hollywood on Oct. 29. Salt & Straw has opened a location in the downtown L.A. Arts District. Justin Taylor has been named new chef at the Andaz hotel in West Hollywood. Pinches Tacos opens a location in Westwood Village on Wednesday. Chaya Venice has undergone a revamp with a new private dining room and converted sushi bar (it’s now more of a raw bar).
Love a good scoop? Follow me on Twitter & Instagram @Jenn_Harris_
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UPDATES:
12:03 a.m.: This article was updated with the new opening date for Knuckle & Claw.
This article was originally published at 9 a.m.
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