Launching a restaurant from one’s home just got easier in Los Angeles County. Department of Public Health officials began accepting applications through its new Microenterprise Home Operation program (MEHKO), which would allow LA County residents to set up and operate a food facility out of a private residence. If approved, these businesses can serve meals to the public, reports KTLA.
Individuals can apply for MEHKO permits immediately and expect approvals as early as November 1. The application fee is $597, plus $347 for an annual health permit, which covers the costs of annual inspections and enforcement actions. When permits are approved, LA residents can prepare, store, handle, and serve food at their homes as long as they abide by the California Health and Safety Code. MEHKOs can serve 90 meals per week, 30 meals daily, and gross no more than $100,000 in sales annually.
Though home kitchen businesses are far from new, there has been a rise in private, residence-based pop-ups in Los Angeles with operators like Comedor Tenchita and Campo é Carbón. The Department of Health’s Environmental Health Division will issue the permits, except in Pasadena, Long Beach, and Vernon, since these cities operate independent health departments.
Evolution of Korean food at LA Public Library
On Sunday, October 20, Eater LA’s Matthew Kang will moderate a discussion at the Central LA Public Library with chef Deuki Hong and journalist Matt Rodbard. Hong and Rodbard recently published Koreaworld: A Cookbook, which looks at the evolution of Korean food through chefs, home cooks, and recipes that shape modern Korean cuisine. The event is free to attend, but reserve a seat here. Perilla LA, Seoul Sausage, and Park’s BBQ will be on site serving bites after the talk.
Indian high tea at Valerie Confection
On Saturday, October 19, former Food & Wine restaurant editor Khushbu Shah and Valerie Gordon will host an Indian high tea at Valerie Confections Glendale. Shah published her first cookbook AMRIKAN: 125 Recipes from the Indian American Diaspora earlier this year. The event is $150 per person and starts at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 19 at 1 p.m. Find tickets here.
Changes at Norma
Chef Jason Fullilove is out at Norma. The West Hollywood restaurant opened in early 2024, serving Southern dishes with a California Mediterranean approach. Fullilove posted his departure message on Instagram below.
Spearhead and barbecue at the beach
The BeachLife Nights festival is underway in Redondo Beach this weekend with music headliner Michael Franti and Spearhead, while chef Curtis Stone will serve up barbecue. Head to the festival page for full information.