This doesn't happen too often: A once-prominent chain restaurant that's been closing down locations in recent years is opening up a new location, taking over for an indie restaurant, in an indie-centric 'hood. Hamburger Hamlet is taking over the Avocado Grill space in Larchmont. more ›

During lunch time, at an event, or after a night out on the town, queuing up at one or more parked food trucks can give you a great sense of community. People come together to eat, to be out in the city, and to give a little bit of money to some entrepreneurs. But the food trucks aren't always welcomed by the communities in which they park (see: Wilshire Blvd. businesses) and now one community has gone as far as to tell their residents to shun the food trucks. more ›

It's National Cold Cuts Day. That term has always brought to mind those not very fresh, tasteless sandwich fillers served at large functions that you eat because you don't want to eat only macaroni salad. With the beef recall, dashing to your local butcher for some cold cuts sounds less appetizing than ever. However, the term "cold cuts" can include cheese and that's where you can freely celebrate. more ›

An opinion piece in today's LA Times raises the issue of what seems to be the rampant Pinkberry-fication of many of our local neighborhoods, using recent food and retail closings and openings in the popular Larchmont Village as an example of how major-chain development affects the unique vibe of a given area. more ›

Though this particular LAist poster isn’t Jewish, the idea of getting gifts for eight nights is totally appealing. So if anyone’s feeling particularly generous, here are a few -– ok eight -– gift suggestions. And remember Hanukkah begins this Saturday tonight...so you still have a few days left to shop: 1. Jeanine Payer jewelry. This San Francisco-based artist loves engraving words and quotes in her silver jewelry. We spied a few of her works... more ›