That’s a lot of good news

Esquire is out with its annual list of best new restaurants, and Los Angeles has basically crowded the magazine’s rankings. Most prominent is Bon Temps in the Arts District, which comes in at number three overall (chef/owner Lincoln Carson also gets a Rising Star nod). Others include Sushi Note in Sherman Oaks, Alta Adams in West Adams, Joy in Highland Park, and Dear John’s in Culver City.

A ton of big names

Lucques is hosting a fun book club dinner on Sunday, November 17 with Aleksandra Crapanzano to celebrate the release of Eat. Cook. LA. The big dinner includes food from Jon & Vinny, Nancy Silverton, Suzanne Goin, and Jessica Koslow, which makes the $85 price tag seemingly a steal.

Umami for free

There’s a big new nationwide deal going down this Friday at all Umami locations, with the company giving away a burger and fries for anyone who comes through. Seriously, just show up and eat.

A new angle

Angler chef Joshua Skenes is starting up a new dinner series at his home in the Hollywood Hills, reports the LA Times. The spendy $800 affair will feature Skenes doing the cooking in his own kitchen, using only high-end, well-regarded ingredients in a tasting menu format.

Keep it tender

Tenderfest is happening this Friday, and to prepare for the boneless chicken party the Off the Menu folks have been putting together some tongue-in-cheek promo videos with a few of the prominent chefs involved. Here’s one with Tim Hollingsworth, who gets called “Tim Hollandaise” right off the bat.

Always changing

It looks like the follow up to the now-closed Falafel King in Westwood has been revealed. Per Toddrickallen, a Rowland Heights Chinese restaurant called Mr. Rice is likely taking over.

Getting ready

There’s a new modern Irish pub coming to Culver City soon. It’s called the Auld Fella, and it lands at 9375 Culver Boulevard. Expect an opening in a matter of weeks.