To keep tabs on every L.A. restaurant and bar opening is folly. But to keep tabs on the most worthy? Yeoman’s work, and we’re proud to do it. Thus we present Table Stakes, a monthly rundown of the five (or so) must-know spots that have swung wide their doors in the past thirty (or so). Bon appétit.
Steelcraft/Fritzi Coop
Bellflower
Why now: Chef Neal Fraser is expanding his chicken spot Fritzi Coop to the new Steelcraft container park in Bellflower, where you can enjoy nine of your favorite local eateries in one place.
Eat (and drink) this: You should absolutely grab a Fritzi Coop spicy chicken sandwich, but while you mosey around the Steelcraft, pop on over to family-owned Ten Mile Brewing Company for a handcrafted beer to wash it down.
16500 Bellflower Blvd., Bellflower.
Colapasta
Santa Monica
Why now: You were a fan the now closed, Michelin-starred La Botte and want to support chef Stefano De Lorenzo’s latest effort. Or you just want to enjoy some hand-made, reasonably priced pasta (all under $15) a few blocks from the beach.
Eat this: The lasagna classica al ragù — classic beef ragù lasagna. Or if you’re gluten free, try the casarecce, made of corn, quinoa and rice with your choice of sauce.
1241 Fifth St., Santa Monica.
Sweet Rice
Gardena
Why now: You want dessert for breakfast, or maybe an omelette with your ice cream. Whatever craving you wake up with, you can have it at this Thai breakfast and dessert spot that’s serving up everything from porridges with Chinese fried crullers to noodle soups and mangoes with sticky rice.
Eat this: You can’t go wrong with a bowl of Tom Yung Noodle soup, but you can if you leave without ordering a scoop of the homemade coconut ice cream (dairy-free of course); add some crushed peanuts or your choice of topping(s).
1630 W. Redondo Beach Blvd., Gardena.
Coco Queen
West Hollywood
Why now: Angelique Bohbot and Nathalie Dahan are bringing their French family and food traditions (specifically chicken) and their secret family recipes to West Hollywood. And you won’t have to wait around too long to try it, as food is cooked-to-order. Think high-end fast food.
Eat this: Their speciality: rotisserie chicken with your choice of a side of roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad.
8700 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood.
Penny Oven
Eagle Rock
Why now: Fresh baked pastries each morning, and an Instagrammable aesthetic to go with your scone. You can also order more savory items like cauliflower hash, mezze platters or classic eggs your way, bacon and toast.
Eat this: If you want something on the sweeter side, look no further than the Dutch Baby, a wood oven-baked pancake lemon curd with whip creme fraiche.
2131 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles.
Why now: You no longer have to leave your vegan friends at home when you want Mexican food. Enjoy tacos, quesadillas and burritos filled with meatless versions of carne asada, al pastor and carnitas.
Eat this: As many meatless tacos, burritos, nachos or quesadillas you can handle; just make sure you get a side of “Just F*ck Me Up Guac.”
7257 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood.
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