The July Hit List: Mes Amis, Lasita, Lulu, and More

Lincoln Carson’s much-anticipated Mes Amis has finally arrived in Hollywood, with plenty of fanfare. The former Bon Temps chef puts forward his own version of a French brasserie, with a raw bar that includes Maine scallop crudo with white tamari and calamansi, a chicken liver mousse Napoleon with cherry gastrique, a French onion burger, and roasted lamb Wellington. Given Carson’s pastry background, it’d be a grave mistake to skip dessert, and the early favorite seems to be the St. Honoré — a gateau of pecan mousseline, pâte feuilletée, and caramel — served by the slice or for the table.

From power couple Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis, Saffy’s is officially open in East Hollywood. At this casual younger sibling to their acclaimed Arts District destinations, Bestia and Bavel, the focus is on kebab and shawarma. That means hummus with challah, red snapper tagine, skewers galore, and swirls of soft serve in sour cherry and pineapple in a bright, airy space with a pink-tiled bar and brass accents throughout. 

Find more info here.

Los Angeles welcomes Phoenix’s legendary pizzaiolo Chris Bianco to the local pizza scene. Pizzeria Bianco is located in ROW DTLA, where they’re currently serving New York-style slices and pies for lunch — from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday — with dinner on its way in the next few weeks. Soon enough, expect Bianco’s signature wood-fired pies alongside appetizers and salads.

Find more info here.

Whether you have something to celebrate or simply want an excuse to host a little shindig, you should know that Lasita is now taking large party reservations (for 8-10 guests) on Resy. The required ‘Pamilya Style’ set menu includes all of the hits: shrimp chips, veggie sides, whole chicken inasal, pork belly lechon, chicken fat rice, and pancit kang kong, plus sauces and desserts. And at only $37 per person, it’s a steal. Order a few bottles of wine for the table, and dig in.

It’s always a good time to line up at Found Oyster and gorge yourself on oysters, peel & eat prawns, cheesy artichoke brandade, and Key lime pie, and yet summer feels especially appropriate to enjoy its maritime atmosphere. Close your eyes and pretend you’re in Cape Cod as you bite into a lobster bisque roll and take subsequent sips of a chilled rosé (or an Arnold Palmer, rightfully poured over crushed ice).

Find more info here.

This town loves a revamp, and Capri Club fits the bill. Formerly known as Capri, an Italian-American restaurant that survived for 50 years before closing during the pandemic, 4604 Eagle Rock Boulevard is now home to an aperitivo bar with wood-paneled walls and red leather booths. On the menu are spritzes, classic cocktails, wine, and beer, in addition to savory snacks like meatballs and cheese plates. Add it to your rotation of East Side date bars.

Find more info here.

Six months after Alice Waters and chef David Tanis debuted Lulu at the Hammer Museum, dinner service is finally here. An extension of their unfussy approach to seasonal California cooking, which has attracted locals and visitors and delighted museumgoers during lunch, the menu will change regularly based on what’s at the market. That said, you can bank on simple preparations of peak-season produce, housemade pasta, and daily fish specials.

Two chefs, one Italian and one Japanese, helm Magari, where they meld their cuisines together to delectable results. Order from the many types of crudi (think tuna with Japanese eggplant caponata, burrata, and basil), antipasti, pasta (such as spaghettini with tomato-miso sugo and yuzu tagliatelle with peekytoe crab), and grilled mains. The restaurant’s chic patio makes it a top-notch choice for outdoor dining, or beat the heat at an indoor table.

Under the leadership of new chef Sheyna McCallister, weekend brunch is back on at Esters. Better yet, the wine bar is only an eight minute walk from the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market. Head here after a Saturday a.m. shop for soft scrambled eggs with crispy prosciutto, salted caramel sticky buns, and a glass of wine (or a Bloody Mary).

Iconic Jewish deli Langer’s just celebrated its 75th birthday, a major milestone and an excellent reason to enjoy a pastrami sandwich. The #19 — with Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing — is their most famous number, but you can’t go wrong with a corned beef or chopped liver order, either. Marinate in the history of the place as your rye bread soaks up the juice, and wash it all down with a Dr. Brown’s Cel-Rey soda.

Find more info here.