Southern California Restaurant News

For several years Stonefire Grill, Southern California’s fast-casual dining destination known for its generous portions of scratch-made, classic American-inspired dishes and time-honored recipes, has made the day before Thanksgiving its own “Garlic Mashed Potatoes Day.” It’s now not only official but recognized by the National Day Archives as the day before Thanksgiving. This year, the inaugural national and annual foodie holiday will be observed on November 27.

“Our garlic mashed potatoes are epic,” said Stonefire Grill’s CEO David W. Youngberg. “Our restaurants are completely packed the day before Thanksgiving with a revolving door of people picking up their pre-ordered trays that can be requested as a “take and bake” or ready-to-serve. We thought it was about time that the turkeys share the limelight with the starring side dish, so we registered Thanksgiving eve as National Garlic Mashed Potatoes Day. You can thank us later for that!” 

Sisters Mary and Maureen Harrigan founded Stonefire Grill in June 2000 in Valencia, California. The restaurant is a tribute to their mother, Mary Lou, and the meals and memories she shared with her family. The garlic mashed potatoes are a time-honored family recipe perfected over several decades and now shared with guests.

A few other fun facts about Stonefire Grill and its Garlic Mashed Potatoes…

• It’s the restaurant’s most popular side dish
• Stonefire Grill uses more than 800,000 pounds of potatoes a year
• Nearly 12,000 pounds of potatoes are needed to fulfill Thanksgiving eve orders
• Guests can order “take and bake” or ready-to-serve
• Garlic has been a staple for more than 5,000 years and is known to have medicinal properties – it’s the original ancient superfood!
• Garlic mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food and pair well with beef, poultry and grilled veggies.
• The side dish is a favorite of holidays, Sunday supper and family gatherings.
• Garlicky is a real word and used as an adjective to describe foods with a strong garlic flavor.
• Garlic is a contrast of flavors–sharp and savory–coupled with a texture that is creamy and smooth.

The first-ever National Garlic Mashed Potatoes Day, a foodie holiday founded by Stonefire Grill, takes place on Thanksgiving Eve – Wednesday, November 27. To place your holiday garlic mashed potatoes order, visit order.stonefiregrill.com or call your neighborhood Stonefire Grill. Stonefire Grill, open daily from 11am, has 12 locations throughout Southern California including the standalone Rattler’s Bar B Que located in Santa Clarita. For more information, go to stonefiregrill.com

Palma Ristorante is excited to invite the Burbank community to its grand opening celebration weekend from Friday, November 22 to Sunday, November 24. 

A special ribbon-cutting ceremony and welcome reception with the city of Burbank will be held on Friday, November 22 from 4-6 pm. Guests will be treated to complimentary sips and bites, including Prime Steak Tartare, Tuna Tartare, Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, Tomato Bread carved table-side, wagyu Hanger Steak with Black Truffle Butter, Pizza Mortadella, and a Champagne tower.

Throughout the weekend, guests will be served complimentary hors d’oeuvres and sips, while enjoying live music. A percentage of proceeds from the weekend will benefit the Burbank Arts and Education Foundation (BAEF). As a bonus, anyone who personally donates to BAEF will be entered to win a $500 gift card.

Palma will serve Pizza Mortadella with pistachio Crumble, prime steak tartare, tuna tartare, Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, Tomato Bread carved table-side, and Wagyu Hanger Steak with Black Truffle Butter. It will also have a Champagne tower for guests who attend the opening ceremony accompanied by live music.

Palma will also be partnering with the Burbank Arts and Education Foundation (BAEF), where a percentage of proceeds from the weekend will benefit the foundation. As a bonus, anyone who personally donates to BAEF will be entered to win a $500 gift card.

Guests can book dinner reservations on OpenTable. 

Luke’s Lobster is launching a new limited-time menu item: snow crab rolls, available starting Monday, November 11! This special roll features sustainably sourced snow crab from the pristine waters of Richibucto, New Brunswick, Canada, and will be available in all markets (except Portland Pier), including the Santa Monica location, while supplies last. Guests can enjoy this seasonal treat in-shack, via delivery, or by ordering ahead online.

Unlike Jonah crab, snow crab brings a unique texture and flavor profile to the table. The meat is chunkier, with large, juicy leg pieces that boast a subtle briny saltiness, finishing on a naturally sweet note. Its slightly pink hue and rich taste might even prompt some guests to remark that it “looks like imitation crab” but it’s the real deal, ethically sourced and expertly prepared. With the implementation of sustainability measures like a reduced catch quota, a limit to the number of traps allowed, a minimum mesh size and a minimum legal size for crab caught by harvesters, the Canadian snow crab fishery is sustainable and thriving.

With the World Series underway and the Los Angeles Dodgers close to clinching the world title, Over/Under, the community hub for sports watching and fun New American cuisine, is celebrating with $7.17 Margherita Pizzas in honor of Shohei Ohtani’s uniform number and to recognize the Dodgers’ seven World Series wins! This pizza deal will only be offered whenever the Dodgers play throughout the season. Enjoy the game on Over/Under’s 16 55-inch televisions while having bites of Shohei’s favorite pizza, made with fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomato sauce, and fresh basil.

Why Margherita Pizzas, you might ask? In an interview back in May, when asked about his favorite form of margarita, Shohei, being the icon he is, replied with “pizza,” inspiring tons of fans to order Margherita Pizzas. For more information, visit: Over Under

If you looking for that truly epic, not-to-be-missed dining event, the limited-time pop-up at Sushi Roku’s Santa Monica Robata Bar featuring 2019 James Beard Award Winner Chef Tony Messina from October 17th through the 19th is a must to add to your calendar.

This pop-up is inspired by Chef Messina’s time in Boston and promises to deliver a remarkable fusion of flavors that elevate classic street food with high-quality ingredients. Guests can expect a dining experience that combines modern sashimi with charcoal-fired street food, showcasing top-tier Japanese fish.

Menu highlights include beef carpaccio with shellfish vinegar, black garlic tare, and uni, chicken liver toast with milk bread, strawberry, and smoked onion, lobster skewers with rosé butter and roasted tomato, and whole grilled branzino with shrimp cracker pangrattato. Dessert features an aerated miso cheesecake with apple, dulce de leche, and ras el hanout.

Reservations can be made HERE. Would love for you to share this rare opportunity for your readers to experience Chef Messina’s tantalizing dishes locally, available for just a few days.

OFF THE HOOK Santa Monica Seafood Festival returns to the iconic Santa Monica Pier on Sun. October 13th to celebrate the sea and raise awareness for Heal the Bay to help keep our local ocean and beaches clean!
This beloved ocean-inspired tasting event features the city’s top chefs and restaurants and their favorite underwater ingredients! Attendees will enjoy seafood tastings, beer gardens, wine tastings, live music, oyster-shucking competitions, and more fun in the sun!
 So, throw on those ascots and captain’s hats and we’ll SEA you on the Pier… Yacht rock attire is highly encouraged!”  

TICKETS GIVE YOU ACCESS TO: Seafood TastingsBeer Garden Wine Tastings Live music from acclaimed Yacht Rock Band The Windbreakers Oyster shucking competition Sustainable Seafood VIP Lounge, presented by Santa Monica Seafood  and more underwater-inspired fun! Little Fish (GA) $85TICKETS INCLUDESeafood tastingsBeer, wine, spirits & non-alcoholic tastings from beverage partnersCash bar also availableBig Fish (VIP) $165 *Limited Tickets AvailableTICKETS INCLUDESeafood tastingsBeer, wine, spirits & non-alcoholic tastings from beverage partnersCash bar also availableAccess to the Sustainable Seafood VIP LoungeEarly entry starting at 3:00pmCurated cocktails from partnersExclusive sustainable seafood tastings from 5 additional restaurantsA free voucher to ride the iconic Ferris Wheel and rides, courtesy of Pacific Park ($50 value) 21+ / Tickets are all-inclusive(food and drink options subject to ticket type) VIP RESTAURANTS Sustainable Seafood VIP Lounge, presented by Santa Monica Seafood Marelle BluePlate Oystette Michael’s Santa Monica Gladstones  Crudo e NudoGENERAL ADMISSION RESTAURANTS The Lobster  Santa Monica Seafood The Albright Malibu Meringue Tiato The Surfing Fox Sushi Roku Al Dente BOA Santi Coffee Blue Ribbon Sushi Layla / Coco Club Ocean Prime Beverly Hills Xuntos Killer Shrimp Santa Monica Whaler Emporium Thai TICKETS HERE SPONSORS:Santa Monica Sustainable Seafood, Pacific Park, Cirque du Soleil – KOOZA, Juggernaut Wines, Harken Chardonnay, Santa Monica Subaru, Suntory-All Free, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism,  Dulce Vida Tequila, The Lobster, The Albright, Vita Coco, & Crazy Vodka  COMMUNITY PARTNERS:Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, Buy Local, Santa Monica Daily Press, Westside Current, Yelp, Venice Paparazzi, Food and Beverage Magazine BEVERAGE TASTINGS:Santa Monica Brew Works, Vita Coco, Suntory All-Free, Harken Chardonnay, Juggernaut Wines, Crazy Vodka, Santai Coffee, LIXIR of the Gods, Hampton Water Rosé, Darcy Kent Wine, Napa Valley Wine. Academy, and Rias Baixas Wines

Celebrate National Dumpling day by enjoying the special collaboration featuring Kaminari x Fly by Jing on Thursday, September 26th. For one day only, Kaminari will offer a limited-time menu set, highlighting a delightful gyoza and Fly By Jing chili sauce pairing. As an added bonus, the first 20 guests to order the special set will receive a complimentary Fly By Jing sauce.

This special set includes 12 gyozas and a draft Sapporo (or soft drink):

• Yaki Pork paired with Fly by Jing’s Sichuan Chili Crisp, 6 pc
• Age Chicken paired with Fly by Jing’s Sweet & Spicy Zhong, 3 pc
• Sui Shrimp paired with Fly by Jing’s Chengdu Crunch, 3 pc
• The set menu will cost $25, or $23 if the draft Sapporo is swapped out for a soft drink
• Vegan substitutions available upon request

For burger enthusiasts looking to try something new on National Cheeseburger Day, look no further! Juicy Lucy burgers will be half off on Wednesday, September 18th, from 12-9 pm at all Barney’s Beanery locations, including West Hollywood, Burbank, Santa Monica, Westwood, and Pasadena.

Here are three cheesy varieties to choose from:

• Three Cheese Juicy Lucy Juicy Lucy: 1/3 lb Burger, stuffed with cheddar, swiss and Jack cheeses. Topped with pickles, tomato, lettuce, grilled onion and Barney’s sauce
• Spicy Jalapeno Juicy Lucy: 1/3 lb Burger, stuffed with pickled and fresh jalapenos, American and cheddar cheese. Topped with tomato, caramelized onions, lettuce and Barney’s sauce.
• BBQ Bacon Juicy Lucy: 1/3 lb Burger, stuffed with BBQ sauce, bacon, onions, American and cheddar cheese. Topped with tomato, pickles, bacon, crispy onion straws and BBQ sauce.

Kaminari Gyoza Bar–known for its craft gyoza from Utsunomiya, the gyoza capital of the world–introduced a Teishoku, or a set meal, to its menu. The teishoku is composed of six gyoza pieces of one’s choice between yaki (pan fried) or age (deep fried), rice, clear pork soup, cabbage, a spring roll, edamame, pickles and choice of one small side dish whether ajitama, spicy cold tofu, kimchi, seaweed salad and more.

Kaminari, the nation’s first gyoza bar, is set to launch its second location in West Hollywood this Fall. Founded by Shigemitsu Fujii, Kaminari is shining a spotlight on gyoza in the U.S. with recipes crafted by chefs from Utsunomiya, served in a modern and energetic setting. For menu information, visit: MENU

Figo Pizza Bar is thrilled to announce its grand opening, inviting guests to experience a tantalizing fusion of Italian flavors with a contemporary twist. Situated in the heart of Marina del Rey, Figo Pizza Bar promises to redefine culinary expectations and become a go-to destination for food (and pizza) enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable dining experience.

About Figo Pizza Bar:
Figo Pizza Bar is not just another pizzeria; it’s a culinary journey through the vibrant streets of Italy, where traditional recipes meet innovative culinary techniques. From our carefully curated menu to the inviting ambiance, every aspect of Figo Pizza Bar reflects our commitment to excellence and passion for Italian cuisine.

The Figo Experience:
At Figo Pizza Bar, guests can indulge in a diverse selection of artisanal pizzas crafted with homemade dough, fresh marinara sauce, and the finest ingredients. Each pizza is a masterpiece, bursting with bold flavors and fresh, seasonal toppings, ensuring a symphony of taste in every bite. But our culinary adventure doesn’t stop at pizza. Discover Figo Pizza Bar’s specialty: Figo Bowls! Made with warm, homemade, crispy dough, these bowls offer a unique twist on traditional favorites. Indulge in options like the creamy Burrata Caprese, savory Meatballs Al Forno, and exquisite Shrimp Scampi, all served in a Figo pizza bowl.
Experience the full spectrum of flavors at Figo Pizza Bar by pairing any of our exquisite dishes with our signature Figo Spritzes, like our refreshing Sicilian Orange Spritz, tangy Amalfi Lemon Spritz, or luscious Amarena Spritz. Whether you’re savoring our artisanal pizzas or exploring our unique Figo Bowls, you can experience a little bit of Italy in every bite and sip.

Grand Opening Celebration:
Join Figo Pizza Bar for their grand opening celebration on Saturday, March 16th, where guests will be treated to 50% off the entire menu from 4-6pm, a complimentary welcome drink, and live music throughout the evening. It’s an opportunity to experience the essence of Figo Pizza Bar and become part of our culinary family.

Location and Contact Information:
Figo Pizza Bar is conveniently located at 13488 Maxella Ave., Unit 100, Marina del
Rey, CA. For reservations and inquiries, please visit:
https://www.figopizzabar.com/reservations or call (424) 289-8485.

Coming soon to West Hollywood is Kaminari Gyoza Bar, located in the heart of Little Tokyo, serving authentic craft gyoza from Utsunomiya, the gyoza capital of the world. Kaminari opened in May 2022 and will expand to West Hollywood later this year. In the meantime, the Little Tokyo restaurant will open its dining room for a full-service experience (currently take-out/counter service only) in February.

Kaminari’s concept stemmed from founder and owner Shigemitsu Fujii’s hometown, Utsunomiya, where many gyoza bars sit just steps away from each other. LA’s first gyoza bar offers three styles of gyoza including Yaki (pan-fried), Age (deep-fried), and Sui (cooked in a savory and clear pork broth). The menu is focused almost completely on gyoza with a few additional sides, an assortment of sauces and a selection of beer and sake. 

Yakumi, Burbank’s upscale fast-casual sushi concept opened in LAX’s Delta Airlines Terminal on Saturday, January 6. Yakumi’s first outpost in Burbank in the media capital of California set the bar for redefining affordable sushi with high-quality ingredients, the freshest fish, and easy-to-order combination boxes. Yakumi continues to expand at one of the country’s largest airports through its exciting partnership with Crews Hospitality and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) leaders in introducing dynamic restaurant and retail concepts at airports.

Designed by PGAL architects, Yakumi LAX is nestled in the dining terrace of terminal 3 with shared seating of 178 seats across the food court. The menu consists of Yakumi’s signature combos such as the light, classic, Yakumi, and Yakumi Plus which include starters like Seaweed Salad, Edamame, and Miso Soup; classic rolls including California and Spicy Tuna and sushi such as Yellowtail with Ponzu and chili Serrano and Salmon with Truffle Soy & Sesame Seeds. Additional selections include wine, beer, sake, and baked goods.

“We are thrilled to bring the culinary vision of Yakumi to the bustling gateway of LAX for travelers from every corner of the globe to indulge and experience what Yakumi has to offer. With each dish meticulously crafted, we continue to redefine what it means to dine at LAX and have a healthy option.”, said Lee Maen, Founding Partner of Yakumi.

Travelers who are looking for a quick, affordable bite or sustenance without compromising quality and taste before their trips can head to Yakumi in the Delta Airlines Terminal for an array of fresh, protein-packed options. Yakumi’s LAX outpost will be open for lunch and dinner daily. For more information, please visit: www.yakumi.com and follow @yakumilife on social media.