Hillstone Beef, LA’s Best Sandwich Drama, Michelin’s Latest Snub and the Hot New Restaurants to Try Now

<p>Food writer <a href="https://www.instagram.com/KarenLPalmer/">Karen Palmer</a> returns to defend Hillstone, revisit the <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/la/article/hard-rock-cafe-la-22346336.php">Hard Rock Cafe</a> and examine whether <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/la/article/go-greek-expansion-22361798.php">Go Greek</a> can become the Shake Shack of frozen yogurt. Luca shares recent meals at Doto, Sora Craft Kitchen and LA’s newest spots before they debate <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/18/dining/restaurant-review-yerord-mas-california.html">$40 sandwiches</a>, <a href="https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2026-08-22/proteinmaxxing-reshaping-los-angeles-dining-pushing-small-restaurants-brink">protein maxxing</a>, <a href="https://substack.com/@kellydobkin/note/c-321968205">restaurant branding</a>, <a href="http://weareravenous.com/this-michelin-awards-ceremony-couldve-been-an-email/">Michelin’s Texas snub</a> and the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/25/dining/restaurant-review-gigis-nyc.html">return of chicken</a> as a marquee menu item. Plus, the <a href="https://la.eater.com/maps/best-sandwiches-los-angeles-map-deli-pastrami-banh-mi">best sandwiches in Los Angeles</a>, <a href="https://khushbushah.substack.com/p/the-great-restaurant-purse-problem">the problem with restaurants that have nowhere to put your purse</a> and an <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/24/dining/drinks/spritz-bartenders.html">Aperol Spritz controversy</a> nobody saw coming.</p><p></p>