Merril Shindler of ZagatBuzz, the blog from the influential Zagat guide folks, has published his picks for the most-anticipated Los Angeles restaurant openings of this year. more ›

L.A.'s most awful restaurant chain, Koo Koo Roo, suffered a blow when it closed its prime Studio City location earlier this month. In its place will be a much more popular chain, Chipotle. Ventura Boulevard in the Southeast Valley is starting to get comfortable with Mexican fast-casual joints--Poquito Mas last year opened nearby in Sherman Oaks and Baja Fresh already has two locations. Also: Loteria Grill will soon move to Laurel Canyon/Ventura, adding another popular sit-down Mexican restaurant to the boulevard where Casa Vega and Mexicali already pack houses. more ›

After opening a second location in Hollywood last year, Loteria Grill is readying a new one in Studio City, according to a land use committee agenda (.pdf) with the Studio City Neighborhood Council. This Wednesday, the group will discuss and possibly make a motion in regards to the restaurant's application for a full line alcoholic beverage license. Loteria, which has a space on the corner of Laurel Canyon and Ventura Blvd., is also planning to obtain a permit to allow for live entertainment between 11 a.m. and 2 a.m. more ›

The Loteria Grill in Hollywood is holding a reception tonight for Mexican artist Esau Andrade tonight from 5-9 pm. The event (which includes an auction of artwork) will benefit children with special needs at the Atwater Park Center. RSVP to 323.465.2500. more ›

Loteria Grill at the Original Farmers Market has long been one of the city's most popular Mexican outposts (we reviewed it back in April just for kicks), so it's nice to see chef Jimmy Shaw take up residence in an attractive space on Hollywood Boulevard. The new restaurant's menu is more extensive than the original's, but there are still plenty of your old favorites to choose from. LAist's editor Zach Behrens has given the place thumbs up for vegetarian options, but meat eaters will enjoy a long list of pork, chicken, and beef entrees as well. more ›