Boyle Heights' Legendary La Tortilleria Azteca to Shutter Original Location
Though it's the end of an era for La Tortilleria Azteca, it's not officially an ending. On June 13, the over-50-year-old restaurant and tortilleria will cease operations at its classic location on Caesar Chavez Boulevard and move permanently to its second location, less than two miles away on Atlantic and Beverly Boulevards. Thankfully, the news is not a full closure — but it's a sad removal of a historic Boyle Heights space.
La Tortilleria Azteca is known for its long lines, the massive flour tortilla-making operation directly behind the ordering counter, and those signature chile relleno burritos. Owners Cynthia Hernandez and her parents, Candy and Juan Villa, purchased the restaurant in 2010. According to LAist, the family opened the second location in 2023 after learning that the landlord was considering selling the property.
Strong Water Anaheim pop-up at Thunderbolt
Anaheim's two-time James Beard Award nominee and Tiki bar Strong Water will pop up at Thunderbolt in Echo Park on Monday, July 7. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is a great opportunity to try their signature drinks without the long drive and meet owners Ying Chang and Robert Adamson. Tickets are $105 per person, which includes five drinks. Thunderbolt and Strong Water will open reservations on Tock this weekend (keep an eye on Instagram).
A new nightclub heading to West Hollywood
Sweetwater, a new nightlife and bar on West Hollywood's will open later this summer on the busy stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard near San Vicente Boulevard. Owner Berni Gambino tells Eater that her forthcoming spot is a lesbian bar and nightlife venue that's geared toward inclusion.
Chef Daniel Patterson launches his pre-Jaca pop-up
Chef Daniel Patterson is still on track to open his forthcoming restaurant, Jaca Restaurant. He'll move forward without his former partner and chef, Keith Corbin, and, during the summer months, will start preparing those future dishes in pop-up tasting menu format in a private space every Friday and Saturday. He describes Jaca Social Club as a preview of Jaca, inspired by his Bay Area restaurant Coi. Tickets are $250 per person and can be booked via Resy.
On July 3, chef Michael Montilla and Brad Salzman will bring back one of Los Angeles's beloved restaurant recipes as Original Hollywood Chili. The duo secured the original recipe from the Chasen family and can be ordered here. Chasen's operated in Beverly Hills for decades before closing in 2000. A la carte pre-orders of the revival can be placed on its website.
Two events to check out this weekend
Good Boy and Friends does its fourth annual natural wine block party in the Arts District on June 28 from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. $59 tickets give entrants the chance to taste 40-plus wines from producers across the country, while the $149 VIP for priority check-in, a wine tote, and other goodies. Vendors like Ditroit, Burger She Wrote, and Simón Seafood will sell bites. Pick up tickets here.
Infatuation's EEEEEatscon returns to Santa Monica's Barker Hangar this weekend with events on June 28 and June 29. Shake Shack is collaborating with the LA Fire Department with a special burger topped with Fire Engine red pepper relish, fried shrimp with fries, and a limited edition hat, while supplies last. A dollar from every purchase will benefit the LA Fire Department Foundation, a worthy cause in the wake of the wildfires that impacted the Pacific Palisades and Altadena in January. In addition, all net revenues from the weekend will be matched by Chase (One must be a Chase cardholder to attend the event) and donated to a local organization to support small businesses. Other vendors include 88 Club with Trophies Burger Club, Auntie Yvette's Kitchen, III Mas, and Za Za Zá. The festivities take place both days from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; entrance is $25 and food costs extra. See More: Intel
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