When you live and dine in L.A., knowing who ranks as among the brightest of the newcomers on the scene can help you eating and drinking well all over town. To celebrate the naming of their best of the best in food and drink in L.A. for their 9th annual restaurant issue, Angeleno Magazine held their annual event last night, now called "Live & Dine L.A." at the Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica. more ›

Last week we took a glance inside The Mercantile's opening soiree, which inspired a post-opening visit to check out their wine bar and dinner menu last night. more ›

There's a new multi-faceted food destination now open in Hollywood. The Mercantile comes from the business mind of relocated New Yorker George Abou-Daoud (Bowery, Mission Cantina and Delancey), who describes the restaurant as "equal parts gourmet marketplace, daytime café and nighttime wine bar." In the kitchen is Chef Kris Morningstar, most recently of DTLA's Casa, who helped the modern Mexican eatery get on its feet before announcing an amicable split calculated to prep him for his new gig in Hollywood. more ›

One way to get people chatting about your new restaurant is to bring in the bloggers, which is just what Downtown's CASA did recently. The eatery served signature cocktails and a sampling of their menu, which was inspired by an old family recipe book, to an eager crowd of self-proclaimed foodies. We mingled with the owners and watched Chef Kris Morningstar in action--alas we learned a few days later Morningstar is moving on soon, as planned, to embark on another food adventure. He's got a project set for Hollywood, and we will keep our eyes--and tastebuds--on alert. more ›