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Xiomara Chef Replaces Herself; HomeGirl, Boa, and Ford’s In At LAX

• Xiomara Ardolina is leaving her role as chef at Xiomara to assume front-of-house duties, putting Sona/Mozza vet Michael Reed in to replace the Latin menu with market-driven California cuisine. [L.A. Times]

• Downtown’s small Blue Whale has boomed into a huge local destination for jazz fans and musicians. [L.A. Times]

• Everyone from Lance Bass, Mayor Villaraigosa, Dave Navarro, and Macy Gray came to the opening of SBE’s Cleo at the Redbury this week. [Black Book]

Ford’s Filling Station, Homegirl Cafe, Boa, and Lemonade are bringing new approved concessions to LAX. [Daily News]

• The traditional food world is “finally” taking food blogs seriously. Maybe it’s because all the food magazines are closing? [WSJ]

• As if all the food recalls and salmonella outbreaks weren’t evidence enough: the food inspection process in this country is pretty messed up. [WP]

• Starbucks is full of professionals — so focus on the image they’re projecting while waiting in line. [BusinessWeek]

• In Iowa, people can now pay bus fare simply by making food donations. [Des Moines Register]

• Chipotle customers who order Halloween night (wearing a costume, obviously) can get a burrito for two bucks — the proceeds will go to Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution fund. [Toronto Star]

Xiomara Chef Replaces Herself; HomeGirl, Boa, and Ford’s In At LAX