Farmer Boys has spread like wildfire across California, but the new Hollywood location is among the first smack in the middle of LA. For those unfamiliar, this fast-casual chain focuses on classic burgers, fries, shakes, sandwiches and salads, with an equally robust breakfast menu. At its core, the franchise prides itself on ‘farm fresh,’ seizing the farm-to-table food trend decades before its recent surge in popularity.

The tagline is ‘nobody does it fresher;’ a tough mantra to live up to when your menu rarely tops $10. Farmer Boys does a good job of pulling it off, however. The Farmer’s Burger embodies the restaurant’s mission—a double cheeseburger with avocado, bacon, thousand island and the works on top of it. Get it with some monster onion rings or zucchini fries, which were hand-chopped and breaded in-house. Add on a cookies ‘n’ cream shake with Thrifty ice cream. Hearty, heavy, delicious.

For those looking for something on the lighter side, the Farmer’s chopped cobb salad boasts generous amounts of avocado, chicken, bacon and hard-boiled egg atop fresh greens, all chopped in-house. Sandwiches range from classic clubs and patty melts to the hearty pastrami, which absolutely lives up to its name. 

Breakfast is served all day here. Farmer boys cracks its own eggs, serving up favorites such as the 3-egg plate, breakfast burritos and breakfast bowls that range from sausage, biscuits and gravy to country fried chicken.

Farmer Boys proves that farm-to-table dining doesn’t have to be expensive. This casual spot has been doing it for 35 years and counting. If you’re looking for a break from trendy haute-spots and want a hearty, classic American dining experience, this will be a breath of fresh air. 

Bacari GDL is the newest concept launched by owners Robert and Danny Kronfli, and Executive Chef/Owner Lior Hillel, who famously brought Bacaro to Downtown Los Angeles. Located at Glendale mall The Americana at Brand, the Italian-inspired restaurant focuses on fire-roasted dishes made in the new wood stone oven, and incorporates Mediterranean influences from Executive Chef Hillel’s Israeli heritage.

“Inspired by our travels to Italy, our overarching goal is to offer guests hospitable service and respite from everyday life by providing comforting food, well-executed drinks, and a warm atmosphere,” Danny Kronfli said.

Executive Chef Hillel’s extensive menu features a new collection of Bacari’s “cicchetti,” or Italian small plates. And while the menu is almost entirely different from its sister restaurants, Bacari GDL keeps favorites such as the open-faced Bacari burger and the mac & cheese. Unique to this location is a large wood stone oven, which is used to cook hand-crafted pastas and pizzas, including foie gras cresto de gallo pasta and bacon and double cream brie pizza.
 
A third restaurant, Bacari PDR, is located in Playa Del Rey. While the food across the restaurant group is rich and complex, the naming scheme is proving to be quite simple. 

Bacari GDL is located at 757 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210. Open every day from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Brunch and happy hour forthcoming. Reservations are not required, but can be made by calling the restaurant at (818) 696-1460.

James Beard Award-winning chef Scott Conant and LA restaurateur Stephane Bombet of Bombet Hospitality Group (BHG) have announced the opening of The Ponte, a new contemporary Italian restaurant on Beverly Boulevard, in February 2017. The Ponte will offer guests a relaxed and sophisticated experience complemented by Conant’s soulful Italian cuisine.
 
Conant's menu will offer a wide selection of charcuterie, antipasti, and pasta, including Spaghetti Pomodoro with his signature ragu. Assorted vegetables and pizza from the kitchen’s wood-burning oven will also be served, along with dishes that celebrate the best of local California ingredients, including Roasted Lamb Neck with raisins, smoked eggplant, goat cheese & pine nut crumble; and Prawns with celery root purée, salmoriglio & crispy sunchokes.

Inspired by the tight-knit community of Pontelandolfo expats—nicknamed Pontes—in Conant's hometown of Waterbury, Connecticut, The Ponte seeks to convey a vibe of rustic yet sophisticated, warm, convivial, and conducive to lingering with friends.

"I love the spirit and energy of L.A., so I was thrilled for the opportunity to get back behind the line in one of my favorite cities," says Conant. "Stephane and I have known each other for years and I've always admired his thoughtful approach…You feel like you're among friends when you walk through his doors. That sense of conviviality, of warmth and comfort that comes with community, is exactly the vibe I wanted to create with The Ponte. I hope L.A. enjoys it!"