Neighborhood Watch

Dante’s Fried Chicken Hits The Road; Asakuma and Bossa Nova Close

Photo: Tatiana Arbogast

Around Town: Dante Fried Chicken Truck is launching with Caribbean soul-food fusion and trans-Atlantic African cuisine from former NYC nightlife promoter Dante Gonzales. His pumpkin grits, Kosher salt water-soaked chicken, and tacos stuffed with blueberry Guinness brisket are currently appearing at private functions. [Thrillist]
Beverly Hills: Walter Manzke and Michael Voltaggio will cook at Test Kitchen next week, possibly giving a glimpse into forthcoming projects. [Eater]
Bossa Nova closed, leaving three surviving locations nearby. [Eater]
Chinatown: The Summer Nights event continues every Saturday through August, with plenty of food to taste, cooking demos, and workshops. [Sinosoul]

Downtown: Boa, Canteen, Sushi Roku, and Lazy Ox Canteen owner Michael Cardenas has plans for three Ox-adjacent restaurants, including a Japanese concept, Toranoko, which already has a license strapped to its doors. [Eater]
Echo Park: Tony Yanow is getting a mixed reaction from the neighborhood regarding his ambitious plans to turn a vacant theater on Sunset into Mohawk Brasserie, with voices on one side concerned that the pizza and craft beer restaurant will bring drunkards and disruptions and one guy on the other arguing “We’re not going to get drunk at 2 a.m…We’re an educated community.” [Squid Ink]
Highland Park: Figueroa Produce’s guacamole is made everyday by the owner’s father and is a local favorite. [Eastside Foodbites]
Hollywood: Tender Greens features weekly Meatless Mondays, serving an additional menu of vegetarian and vegan options. [Quarry Girl]
Mid-City: Shaky Alibi is serving “the Holy Grail of waffles” for Belgian aficionados. [Squid Ink]
Silver Lake: Bad Brains and $5 Real de Mexico Tequila cocktails will come together at Sunset Junction this weekend. [Teenage Glutster]
Thousand Oaks: A new Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is opening on August 25th at 5:00 A.M. with giveaways of $50 gift certificates for the first 50 people in line, plus samples and a benefit for Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank. 487 N Moorpark Rd. Thousand Oaks. [Grub Street]
West L.A.: Sushi stalwart Asakuma closed after 25 years following a rumored bankruptcy, leaving nothing but napkins scattered all over the place. In the same strip-mall, VIP Seafood turned into The Palace Seafood and Dim Sum. Could a dream of decent Westside dim sum finally be fulfilled? [Squid Ink]
Westwood: Sak’s Terriyaki isn’t just another spot for “cheap chicken covered in a sweet and goopy Japanese(ish) sauce.” [Midtown Lunch]

Dante’s Fried Chicken Hits The Road; Asakuma and Bossa Nova Close