Author: Chris Gallagher

Soul Food Sundays’ Coming to West African-Inspired Vegan Restaurant Ubuntu

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West Hollywood’s vegan culinary scene is set to receive an upgrade with the introduction of Soul Food Sundays at Ubuntu, a West African-inspired vegan restaurant. The new dining experience, curated by Chef Shenarri Freeman, is scheduled to make its grand debut on January 14, 2024. Chef Shenarri’s unique offering represents a fusion of soul food and vegan cuisine.

Ubuntu, which opened its doors on August 1, 2023, has already made significant waves in the plant-based dining community. The restaurant is the brainchild of 2022 James Beard Award semifinalist Shenarri “Greens” Freeman and 2022 James Beard Award nominee Ravi DeRossi of Overthrow Hospitality. Ubuntu’s menu is an ode to West African culinary traditions, infused with Chef Shenarri’s innovative approach to vegan cuisine. Drawing inspiration from countries like Senegal, Nigeria, and Ghana, Ubuntu presents an array of dishes that redefine the plant-based dining experience.

The Soul Food Sundays event promises to bring a slice of New York City’s renowned vegan soul food haven, Cadence, to the heart of West Hollywood. Chef Shenarri, known for her creative and flavorful dishes, will introduce a selection of her most cherished creations to Ubuntu’s guests. The menu features an array of mouth-watering options, including Southern Fried Lasagna, a unique blend of comfort food and innovation; Biscuits & Gravy with a mix of porcini mushrooms, carrots, and buttermilk; and the crowd-pleaser, Fried Oyster Mushrooms & Waffles.

For those with a sweet tooth, the Maple Buttermilk Cornbread served with sage maple syrup and jam is a must-try. The menu also includes Collard Green Wraps with succotash and chickpea miso broth, Palm Cake with heart of palm and chipotle aioli slaw, seasonal cobblers, and an irresistible Lemonberry Cake.

Complementing these culinary delights is a selection of expertly crafted cocktails by mixologist Sother Teague. Guests can enhance their dining experience with drinks like the Salted Maple Old Fashioned and Jerk-Spiced Lemon Tea, adding a refreshing twist to the soul food theme.

Ubuntu’s commitment to plant-based dining is evident in its diverse and inventive menu. Signature dishes such as Jackfruit Yassa, Curry Jollof Arancini, Seitan Suya, and Charred Okra Salad highlight the versatility and richness of the vegetables used. The restaurant also takes pride in its curated selection of wines from Black-owned vintners, adding an extra layer of sophistication and community support to the dining experience.

Soul Food Sundays at Ubuntu are not just a dining event. They represent a fusion of cultures, cuisines, and communities. This weekly affair, running from 2 to 8 pm, invites guests to explore the depths of vegan soul food in a setting that celebrates the flavors and traditions of West Africa.

Ubuntu is more than a restaurant. It’s a culinary destination where every dish tells a story and every bite is a journey. Located at 7469 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, Ubuntu is poised to become a staple in the West Hollywood vegan food scene, offering a unique and memorable dining experience.

For those eager to be part of this culinary extravaganza, reservations and more information are available at UbuntuLA.com.

January 9, 2024
County Boulevard Near LAX Blocked By Protestors on Wednesday

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On Wednesday morning, the streets near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) witnessed a tumultuous turn of events as more than two dozen pro-Palestinian protestors were arrested for blocking County Boulevard. The protest, escalating rapidly in intensity, led to a significant disruption of the usual traffic flow, especially on Century Boulevard, a vital route leading to LAX.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded promptly to the situation. In a statement, the department clarified that while it supports the public’s right to exercise their First Amendment rights through peaceful demonstrations, the events that unfolded on Wednesday were far from peaceful. The LAPD’s stance was firm: the protest crossed the line into unlawful territory.

A total of 36 protestors were apprehended in the operation, with charges ranging from obstruction to battery of a police officer. The latter charge underscores the intensity of the confrontation between the protestors and law enforcement.

The incident was initially reported at 1 World Way and subsequently moved to the intersection of Sepulveda Blvd. and W. Century Boulevard around 9:18 a.m. The location change escalated the protest’s impact, as demonstrators used cement blocks and other objects to barricade the road.

From aerial views provided by SKYCal, a striking image emerged of Century Boulevard near the Sheraton Hotel, completely immobilized by the protestors. They strategically placed cones and construction debris and even positioned themselves to form an impenetrable barrier. This act of defiance brought traffic to a standstill, creating a ripple effect of disruption.

The LAPD described the scene as really chaotic. Protestors were accused of not only obstructing the roadway with construction debris, road signs, and tree branches but also of physically assaulting passersby in their vehicles. One of the more concerning allegations involved a police officer being thrown to the ground by the protestors, a serious charge that highlights the volatile nature of the situation.

Despite the severity of the disruption, the Los Angeles Airport Police were able to reopen Century Boulevard by 10:38 a.m. Remarkably, the incident did not impact flight schedules at LAX. It shows how well they handled the situation.

At the same time, a similar protest occurred on the opposite coast. In New York, demonstrators converged on John F. Kennedy International Airport, causing a halt in traffic. Their cause was the same: showing solidarity with Palestinians amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Holding signs and chanting slogans, the New York protestors mirrored the passionate expressions of their counterparts in Los Angeles.

These protests in LA and New York are part of a bigger picture. People all over are showing they care about what’s happening between Israel and Hamas. The choice of international airports as the stage for these protests is particularly symbolic, highlighting the global nature of the issue and the interconnectedness of our world.

What happened on Wednesday near LAX is a big reminder of how powerful protests can be in our cities. Sure, protesting is a key part of being in a democracy, but it’s tricky when it starts causing trouble for others. The police did a great job controlling things, but the protest’s message and reasons are still being discussed everywhere.

January 5, 2024
Rising Food and Labor Costs Lead to Mass Closing of LA Restaurants

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Los Angeles, a city once celebrated for its dynamic and diverse culinary scene, is now facing an unprecedented crisis. From high-end dining establishments to local favorites, LA eateries are closing at an alarming rate and reshaping the city’s dining experience.

2023 has been particularly harsh for the restaurant industry. After many agonizing months, several well-known and critically acclaimed restaurants have made the difficult decision to close. The reasons are multifaceted but center around economic strains that have been intensifying in the post-pandemic era.

Restaurant owners paint a bleak picture of the current situation. They highlight that operating in LA has become increasingly challenging due to the rising costs of ingredients and labor. These costs are not just numbers on a balance sheet; they directly impact menu prices, staff retention, and the overall viability of running a restaurant.

“I don’t know if we’ve seen the end of how the pandemic has affected restaurants,” one restaurant owner expresses. “People are being more careful about where they’re spending their money.”

The situation is further exacerbated by the recent entertainment industry strike. LA, known for its close ties to Hollywood, has seen a significant drop in patronage from this sector. The strike has led to a decrease in bookings for private events and regular dining. These were once reliable revenue streams for many establishments.

Furthermore, government assistance programs like the Paycheck Protection Program and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which provided a lifeline during the peak of the pandemic, have since dried up. This has left many restaurant owners navigating the treacherous waters of high commercial rents and operational costs without their previous safety net.

“The economics of owning a restaurant are completely out of whack right now,” chef Chris Feldmeier expressed in an interview with SFGate. “We used to try to keep our labor costs under 30%, but now they’re inching up closer to 40%. With cooks making $22 to $25 an hour, it’s just hard for a small, private restaurant.”

These closures have an impact beyond just economics. Each shuttered restaurant signifies a loss of community space, a blow to the city’s cultural fabric, and the end of many individuals’ livelihoods. The diversity of Los Angeles’s culinary scene has always been one of its strongest assets. As more restaurants close, the city risks losing a part of its identity.

Owners and industry experts are calling for a reevaluation of the current economic model of the restaurant business. They suggest a shift in perspective is necessary, where value is placed not just on the bottom line but also on the sustainability of the industry and the well-being of its workforce.

Moving into the new year, LA’s restauranteurs hope the worst is behind them. However, with no immediate relief in sight, the restaurant industry braces for more potential closures. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether LA’s dining scene can adapt and overcome these challenges. If not, this wave of closures may continue to sweep across the city, leaving a markedly changed culinary landscape in its wake.

December 26, 2023