Moez Megji and Karim Megji, the father-and-son hospitality duo behind a slew of restaurants including Wood & Water in Sherman Oaks and Zin Bistro Americana in Westlake Village, as well as now-closed spots Fins Creekside in Calabasas and the Gallery in Westlake Village, quietly opened their latest project, Chelsea, in Santa Monica earlier this month at 2460 Wilshire Boulevard. The new restaurant’s menu draws inspiration from the London neighborhood where Moez lived for a time as a child, incorporating flavors from India, East Africa, and beyond.
Behind the stoves is chef de cuisine Manolo Espejel, preparing dishes like harissa lamb tartare with chive oil and crispy polenta, naan bread with raita and chile sauce, and tikka masala fried chicken with garlic mashed potatoes and sauteed kale. Wines, beers, and cocktails are available to drink. (Full food and beverage menus are below.) Designer Hema Persad revamped the former Grammercy space to incorporate Chelsea’s characteristic colors, textures, patterns, and prints, according to a representative.
Chelsea is open Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Brisket fest at Grand Central Market
Maple Block Meat Co., one of LA’s best barbecue purveyors, is collaborating on a few smokey specialties with fellow Grand Central Market tenants this month. From May 15-16, Villa’s Tacos is serving a taco featuring its signature blue corn tortillas and Maple Block’s brisket. On the weekend of May 17, Wexler’s Deli is serving an everything bagel sandwich layered with eggs, cheese, and Maple Block’s burger sauce and brisket. Finally, Sticky Rice will be featuring Maple Block’s brisket in its drunken noodle dish on the weekend of May 24.
Cheeseburger in paradise
LAist is hosting a Tournament of Cheeseburgers in celebration of the dish’s 100th birthday. Angelenos are encouraged to nominate and vote for their favorite cheeseburger establishments, and the results will announced at Smorgaburg on July 7.
Pizza omakase exists
Tokyo-style pizza spot Pizzeria Sei is now serving bi-weekly pizza flights under the banner Omakasei. The first event, which was priced at $150 per person, sold out quickly and featured 10 slices of previous restaurant specials like a tuna sushi pizza. The next event is on May 28, and reservations will drop on Resy soon.
Brunching with the Rosenthals
Chef Suzanne Goin is hosting a brunch with Phil and Lily Rosenthal at Caldo Verde on Sunday, May 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate the Rosenthals’ book, Just Try It! The family-friendly brunch, priced at $55 for adults and $25 for kids, includes pretzels with mustard, Peking duck salad, banana milkshake with mini fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and more.
Bánh bèo at Đi Đi
Chef Tuệ Nguyễn is teaming up with actress Karrueche Tran to serve bánh bèo at Đi Đi throughout May. “Bánh bèo is such an underrated Việt dish that you have to try, writes Nguyễn in an Instagram post. “It’s steamed rice cakes, topped with shrimp, crispy shallots, caramelized onions, scallion oil and always enjoy with a heavy drizzle of fish sauce.”