Burbank’s booming beer business

It’s a good time to be a drinker in the Valley, apparently. Not only have two newer names in craft beer popped up in Burbank lately (that would be Verdugo West Brewing Co. and Lincoln Beer Company), but the LA Times first reported that Simmzy’s would be getting into the brewing game as well. The mostly brewpub operation will be expanding into actually crafting their own drinks soon, adding a seven-barrel brewhouse to be overseen by Brian Herbertson of Wicks Brewing out of Riverside.

The news of more craft beer in the Valley is good for everyone, though Burbank is far from the first place to get its fair taste. Van Nuys’ own MacLeod Ale has been going strong for some time now, there’s The Surly Goat in Encino, and even more recently Golden Road Brewing co-founder Tony Yanow has vowed to get even deeper into the Valley beer game (he already owns Tony’s Darts Away in, you guessed it, Burbank) with a new unnamed brewpub in Sherman Oaks. In short: It’s a good time already to be drinking craft beer, period. But these days, being in the Valley helps too.

Dunkin’ Donuts lands another one

Hey Mid-City, get ready for your very own Dunkin’ Donuts. The next location of the East Coast chain falls at the corner of Venice and Western, with a 5 a.m. opening slated for this coming Friday. After that, expect daily hours from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The Toothpix team returns

It’s a new year, which means even more Toothpix videos coming your way. This time the incredibly funny team tackles Providence, by way of a few discerning scavengers. Take a look.

providence. #toothpix @providencela A video posted by TOOTH PIX (@toothpix) on Jan 25, 2017 at 8:26am PST

It’s Rooster time

The Rooster Truck is turning one, and to celebrate the breakfast favorite is doing a party in front of Blue Bottle Coffee on Abbot Kinney on Sunday. The shindig runs from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and features $1 tots all day and a giveaway worth $200.

The casino connection

Ever wondered what’s up with the proliferation of Chinese restaurants inside casinos in California? LA Weekly takes a look, exploring the cuisines, cooks, and paying customers behind this fascinating genre of casino restaurants.

Kitchen Mouse ups the ante in Highland Park

According to The Eastsider, Highland Park favorite Kitchen Mouse keeps expanding. The vegan-leaning breakfast and lunch option is growing with plans for a takeaway market and option beer and wine. That’s good news for the local favorite, and brings even more largely healthy options to the area.

Lots to love about Civil Coffee

NJinLA walks readers through the gorgeous Civil Coffee in Highland Park. The effortlessly Instagrammable AM space is run by a pair of Latino brothers and has become a neighborhood destination that appeals to hip kids, longtime locals, and everyone in between.