Crack Shack time

Richard Blais and his San Diego Crack Shack team are close to opening an official Los Angeles address at the Westfield Century City, with an arrival planned for sometime this summer. They aren’t stopping there, though, as renderings have just been revealed for the company’s second area outlet in Old Pasadena. This one will be much larger, offering some 6,000 square feet of space right off Green Street in what was formerly a recording studio. Expect tall warehouse ceilings, a full bar, and of course lots of fried chicken when the restaurant comes online late this year.

Woon in a different way

Popular noodle pop-up Woon Kitchen is changing up its menu for a one-night-only affair in Silver Lake this month. The April 21 event is going all shabu shabu, with a variety of meats and sides for just $30 a head. Email in fast to get on the private list.

Westside deals

Westwood’s Emporium Thai is turning 18 years young this year, and to celebrate the family is doing 18 days of celebrating with deals and more. The whole thing starts this Wednesday (yes, the 18th) and involves a special prix fixe menu for just $18.18, with 18% of proceeds going to benefit the UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital.

Pok Pok comeback

Andy Ricker is returning to cook at Night + Market Sahm on Monday, May 7 in Venice. The $100 party is for one seating only, so better get on those tickets quick.

Get to know the team

Here’s a fun little background snippet on Paul Rosenbluh, the owner/operator of Cindy’s in Eagle Rock. The longtime diner fan is also taking over Fox’s in Altadena, and shares his multi-decade background in the restaurant industry.

Opening soon

There’s a big new opening to know about down in Newport Beach. The Mayor’s Table is set to arrive on May 1 at Lido House Hotel, offering imaginative dishes like beet carpaccio and Dungeness crab-stuffed doughnuts. Check out an early look at the space below.