Los Angeles, Ca
Three L.A. barbecue spots to try Memorial Day weekend
Barbecue season is sizzling as Memorial Day weekend rolls into the weekend, marking the beginning of summer.
Since 2019, Los Angeles has seen a rise in the number of new barbecue restaurants and pop-ups with each bringing their own rich flavors and unique Southern California influences.
1. Moo’s Craft BBQ
Located in Lincoln Heights, Moo’s Craft BBQ was founded by Andrew and Michelle Muñoz in July 2021.
In almost three years, the local barbecue hotspot and taproom has earned three consecutive appearances on the L.A. Times 101 Best Restaurants List, finishing in the top-10.
Most recently, they’ve even appeared in the Michelin Guide as a top barbecue restaurant.
The business began as a backyard pop-up, with hours-long lines with eager barbecue fans looking for some of their delicious, Cali-Mex flavors.
Specializing in central Texas-style barbecue, Moo’s is renowned for its tender brisket, which is slow-roasted and seasoned with a simple salt and pepper rub. The menu also features impressive pork ribs, spicy house-made sausages, and smoked turkey.
Besides the meats, Moo’s offers distinctive sides like creamy esquites, dill-heavy red potato salad, and a highly praised tres leches bread pudding.
2. Smoke Queen Barbecue
Founded by Winnie Yee-Lakhani, the restaurant owner turned pitmaster started in her backyard during the pandemic.
Yee-Lakhani, a 14-year restaurant veteran, faced the devastating loss of her businesses and nearly 50 employees.
Instead of giving up, she used the lockdown period to master the art of smoking meat. Not long after, she secured a spot at Smorgasburg, a popular weekly market in downtown Los Angeles with diverse food vendors and artisanal products.
Her style combines its unique fusion of American barbecue techniques with Asian flavors. Their offerings include standout items like smoked brisket, pork belly char siu, and Korean Dino beef ribs.
3. AGL Craft Meats
AGL Craft Meats, led by owner Alec Lopez, is an acclaimed barbecue operation in Los Angeles known for its Texas-style smoked meats.
Lopez was born in the South Bay to a Cuban Father and Mexican mother. His father worked at Fuddruckers, a San Antonio-based burger chain.
Originally operating as a pop-up, AGL Craft Meats has gained a reputation for its exceptional brisket, chipotle cheddar sausage, and pulled pork.
Whether you’re visiting or a local, these are three barbecue spots you don’t want to miss.
Los Angeles, Ca
Help needed as injured animals arrive at Pasadena Humane Society due to wildfire
As the deadly Eaton Fire continues burning in Los Angeles County, Pasadena Humane is seeking help as a large number of animals are being evacuated.
Over 100 animals arrived at the organization on Wednesday, and workers expected more drop-offs to come in over the next few days.
“Due to the proximity of the evacuation zones, we are also making preparations to evacuate the shelter, if needed,” workers said. “At this time, all animals are safe and unharmed at the shelter.”
Many of the animals arriving at the shelter were found with burn injuries.
Shelter workers said critical supplies are needed due to the influx of animals including food, water bowls, extra large crates and blankets. Anyone able to donate these items can drop them off at the donation bin located at the shelter’s front parking lot.
On Wednesday, workers said kennel space was filling up quickly and evacuees who need emergency boarding for their pets can drop them off at spcaLA at 5026 W. Jefferson Blvd. in Los Angeles. Large animals should be taken to the L.A. Equestrian Center at 480 Riverside Dr. in Burbank.
Pasadena Humane Animal Control Officers will continue working in the field, assisting with animal evacuations, while Pasadena Humane staff are working round-the-clock at the shelter to care for the animals of displaced families.
“We are currently coordinating with Cal Animals and ASPCA disaster response to mobilize more resources to assist with the situation,” staff said. “We anticipate getting in even more animals who are in need of emergency medical care as the fires continue.”
As shelter space is limited, anyone who can foster a dog or cat for at least a week is urged to email the Pasadena Humane Foster Office or visit in person.
Donations to provide emergency resources to animals affected by the wildfires can be made here. Anyone who finds injured wildlife can text 626-344-1129 or call Animal Control at 626-792-7151 ext. 970.
Los Angeles, Ca
Six Flags Magic Mountain closed due to extreme winds
(KTLA) — Six Flags Magic Mountain will remain closed on Wednesday due to high winds in the area.
Tickets purchased for Wednesday will be honored on “any other regular operating day” until Dec. 31, the theme park announced on Instagram.
Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk also chose not to welcome guests due to fires and extreme wind conditions in the region. Officials haven’t announced if tickets will be honored on future days.
An unprecedented windstorm that started Tuesday has led to multiple fires burning across the region, including the Palisades Fire in L.A.’s Pacific Palisades neighborhood, which has grown to over 5,000 acres.
Elsewhere, the Eaton Fire near Altadena has grown to over 10,000 acres and has claimed the lives of two people. Additionally, the Hurst Fire near Sylmar has burned more than 500 acres.
So far, Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm haven’t announced any closures or reduced hours of operation due to the wildfires.
Los Angeles, Ca
Palisades Fire in Los Angeles scorches 2,921 acres; many homes burned
Tens of thousands of residents in the western Los Angeles area remain under mandatory evacuation orders Wednesday morning after a wind-driven wildfire exploded in size Tuesday and swept through communities in the Pacific Palisades.
The Palisades Fire was first reported around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the 1100 block of North Piedra Morada Drive. By evening, the fire had exploded to more than 2,900 acres with no containment and was expected to keep spreading amid hurricane-force Santa Ana winds.
The latest CalFire updates can be found here.
There was no initial estimate for the number of structures damaged or destroyed. However, news footage showed dozens of homes and other structures ablaze.
Evacuations were ordered for the entire Palisades community down to the Pacific Ocean, according to CalFire. During a Tuesday afternoon press conference, officials said more than 10,000 homes in Pacific Palisades and Malibu were affected by the evacuation order. Evacuation warnings also extended into areas of Santa Monica and Calabasas.
An evacuation shelter for people and pets was established at the Westwood Recreation Center at 1350 S. Sepulveda Boulevard.
Dozens of Los Angeles County schools will be closed Wednesday due to the fire. A comprehensive list of closures can be found here.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Pacific Palisades is located about 10 miles from Malibu, where the Franklin Fire burned more than 4,000 acres and burned several homes after erupting during similar windy conditions in December.
Palisades Fire Resources: LAFD Alerts | CALFIRE Incident Page | LAFD on X
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