Plus, the team behind Michelin-starred Heritage debuts a more casual "neo-bistro," a Bestia and Taco María alum launches a pop-up residency through January, one of L.A.'s chicest new patios is now open and more.

This Moroccan chickpea tagine from 'The Bean Book' by Steve Sando is simmered with fresh ginger, saffron, cinnamon and preserved lemon.

Plus, a new SGV dumpling destination has lines out the door, two chefs bring global flavor to Santa Monica, and Echo Park lands two new Japanese imports.

The movie "Sideways" — and the line "if anybody orders Merlot, I'm leaving" — sparked a wine conversation that's still going strong.