As the topography of Los Angeles changes with the addition of countless new restaurants and bars, pop-up concepts are adding a unique, temporary yet powerful twist to the food scene. More than ghost kitchens and not-quite-independent establishments, these destinations can take on different shapes: some are limited-edition experiences, city-to-city travel, some are extensions designed to create more space for guests, and others are an opportunity to explore and promote new tasting menus indefinitely without the pressure of cost. Whether you’re looking for a 10-course Japanese-Italian fusion experience or different combinations with a familiar cocktail, these pop-ups are not to be missed.
Ramen
FOODSTEEZ
pastaRAMEN is the brainchild of chef Robbie Felice nominated by James Beard, and after selling out in New York and Miami, is now available in Los Angeles for a limited time. Running until mid-November, the pastaRAMEN dining experience (in partnership with fusion food company HexClad) is a sumptuous Japanese-Italian 10-course meal based on the Tokyo concept of “Wafu pasta” (cooked noodles) with Japanese ingredients) through November 13. The immersive experience is for 10 people at a time and takes place in a secret location, and boasts surprising items like cacio e pepe gyoza , sesame cavatelli with ginger soy pork ragu and golden caviar burrata.
295 USD/person, including drinks; location is provided upon reservation; pastaramen.com
Lil ‘Pinky’s
Courtesy of Josh Telles
While Pinky’s in Los Feliz had a cozy, ’80s decor across from the popular hot spot Atrium, the bar has expanded with a pop-up satellite bar outside the tiled walls, located prominently on the brick-walled road just outside. Every Friday and Saturday night from 10:15 pm-1:15 am, a smaller venue called ‘Lil’ Pinky’s’ is revealed and features an exclusive outdoor menu of new cocktails. While that is expected to change, for now, the pop-up offers a gin-based Negroni with damson plums, a tequila-based drink made with peaches and golden chartreuse, and a rye cocktail with prickly pear, ginger and tarragon. The DJs are curated by Alex Rodriguez, who runs the on-site record store in Coachella, playing in the outdoor patio.
1816 N. Vermont Ave., pinkyslosfeliz.com
Hansei
A concept tasting menu experience from chef Chris Ono, Hansei is located at the Japanese American Community & Culture Center, nestled in a garden oasis beneath the busy streets of Little Tokyo above. Chef Ono, a fourth-generation Japanese-American chef who has worked at Michelin-starred restaurants, Providence, Eleven Madison Park, and Mori sushi, designed Hansei (Japanese for “” self-reflection”) became a representative of Japanese-American cuisine in Los Angeles. Divided into three sections, the tasting menu includes unique dishes like Jidori chicken wings topped with cornmeal, “California roll” crispy crab with Santa Barbara sea urchin and avocado, and Wagyu steak teriyaki. Hansei, which is set to last indefinitely as a pop-up, also encourages guests to pair their meals with rare, low-volume sake or a glass of wine from a range of Japanese-American winemakers. based in California.
$175 per person; 244 S. San Pedro St., jaccc.org
A version of this story first appeared in the November 2 issue of The Hollywood Reporter. Click here to subscribe..
