LaMill's new store, brunch at Malo and more

S. Irene takes on LaMill and likes what she sees, although she's not into describing the intricacies of the coffee menu. Two stars are very good for a cafe with no wine list. I'm glad she highlighted one of the best things I've had there, the beautiful passion fruit gelee in a pool of coconut milk dessert. I don't think I would have used the phrase "The decor virtually defines eclectic," but otherwise she certainly captured the essence of Silver Lake's froufiest cafe. She also points out that LaMill's new retail store is now open, in case you want your own little wetsuit for your Chemex pot.

Add Malo to the list of near-Eastside restaurants branching out into brunch. Malo now opens at 9:30 Saturday and Sunday for brunch and drinks, and stays open all day for lazy tacos and margs in the bar on weekend afternoons.
Brunch dishes include breakfast enchiladas, chilequiles ($8), mango banana French toast with cinnamon syrup and buttermilk and queso fresca pancakes....yeah!
If the sun has passed the yardarm, you're allowed a Bloody Maria, a watermelon margarita or other special "afternoon" cocktails.

The Times also does a nice job profiling George Laguerre, owner of TiGeorge's in Echo Park, who is doing his part with his patrons to help the food crisis in Haiti.

And just in case you're ready to try your cooking skills by competing on Top Chef, auditions are being held Monday, May 26 from 10 am-2 pm at Cicada Restaurant Downtown.