Eboshi Ramen. Photo by Elise Thompson.
Citing improving Covid stats, Governor Gavin Newson has announced that restaurants in California can resume outdoor dining. All outdoor dining in Los Angeles county has been suspended since November 30, 2020. The State followed with similar restrictions soon after. The governor has been under considerable pressure to allow small businesses more freedom, with many people filing lawsuits and demanding his recall. Some people feel that it’s still too soon, as we strike a tenuous balance between safety and keeping restaurants in business.
Monday, Newsom abruptly lifted stay-at-home-orders for all five of California’s regions and we will once again be following the color-coded tier system. Los Angeles is in the most restrictive purple tier, so bars remain closed, but to the grateful ears of local restaurant workers, Los Angeles County has announced that outdoor dining can be reinstated this Friday, January 29, 2021 with restrictions like PPE, limited capacity, and social distancing. The county can close outdoor dining at any time it deems necessary, and strict enforcement is expected. But for now, things are looking up for our friends in the restaurant business.
One of our favorite restaurants, Mi Piace in Pasadena is thrilled by the news. Owner Armen Shirvanian, says, “I want to thank God and I am truly elated that we can finally reopen Outdoor Dining at 25%. I can’t wait to welcome back our guests and our regulars in a safe and enjoyable environment.”
Other notable spots we recommend for outdoor dining (whenever you are ready) include Drago Centro in DTLA, Bone Kettle, DiabloTaco (Opens Saturday), Local Kitchen Tavern, and Rajin Cajun Cafe. Call your favorite restaurants to find out whether or not you can dine al fresco this weekend.
