We Fixed Tipping. The Asadero Clap-Back. So Long, Sora Craft Kitchen. | THE LA FOOD PODCAST

<p>Last week, we called out an Instagram account dedicated to leaving $0 tips at restaurants. The comments section promptly lost its collective mind. So this week, Luca and Father Sal are going all in on America&#39;s most emotionally charged restaurant debate: <strong>Is tipping culture completely broken?</strong></p><p>Why do we tip servers but not other minimum-wage workers? Has the iPad tipping screen gotten out of control? Would restaurants actually survive if everyone stopped tipping? And why is it so hard to get rid of a system that seemingly nobody likes?</p><p>Plus, Bill Esparza and Matt Kang take a beloved LA taco stand to task, Sal discovers an incredible Thai burger, Luca finds some seriously underrated neighborhood gems, and the guys debate whether AI-generated food photos are an abomination or a lifeline for struggling restaurants.</p><p>On Chef&#39;s Kiss / Big Miss: The heartbreaking closure of Sora Craft Kitchen, Souplantation&#39;s triumphant return, and whether any croissant on Earth is worth a 45-minute wait.</p><p><strong>THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SLANG AI</strong></p><p>Missed calls mean missed business. Slang AI helps restaurants answer every call, handle guest questions, and take reservations with AI-powered phone technology. Learn more:</p><p><a href="https://www.slang.ai/restaurants?utm_source=la_food_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=superhost_launch_oct_26&utm_content=ad_read">https://www.slang.ai/restaurants?utm_source=la_food_podcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=superhost_launch_oct_26&amp;utm_content=ad_read</a></p><p><strong>STORIES MENTIONED</strong></p><ul><li><p>Sora Craft Kitchen is closing: <a href="https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2026-10-14/sora-craft-kitchen-permanent-closure-downtown-los-angeles">https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2026-10-14/sora-craft-kitchen-permanent-closure-downtown-los-angeles</a></p></li><li><p>Why AI-generated restaurant menus are freaking everyone out: <a href="https://www.latimes.com/food/newsletter/2026-10-14/uncanny-valley-ai-generated-food-menu">https://www.latimes.com/food/newsletter/2026-10-14/uncanny-valley-ai-generated-food-menu</a></p></li><li><p>Souplantation is returning to Orange County: <a href="https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2026-10-08/souplantation-returns-orange-county-2027">https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2026-10-08/souplantation-returns-orange-county-2027</a></p></li><li><p>Santa Monica&#39;s Matilda&#39;s Bakery is drawing 45-minute lines: