Shopper & Diner: New restaurant preps in Elysian Valley; Craft coffee makes Highland Park’s Good Girl better; and Pilates party in Echo Park

New Elysian interior/Courtesy David Thorne

Desert is served/Courtesy David Thorne

ELYSIAN VALLEY — Private event space Elysian is looking to give their business a jolt  by becoming a full-fledged restaurant early this summer, writes Eater LA. The indoor/outdoor space in Elysian Valley looks to have a menu that emphasizes seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients.  The space is currently under construction. It should be interesting to see what chef and owner David Thorne cooks up and if it can draw patrons to this very industrial block.

In other Shopper & Diner news:

• If you’re seeking a jolt of your own, you can visit Highland Park’s Good Girl Dinette and their custom Cognoscenti Coffee cart. What started as a pop up at the Vietnamese restaurant is now somewhat of a permanent installation, reports the LA Times.  Get your fix Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Coffee slinger and former biochemist Jack Benchakul is manning the stand and offers espresso and Vietnamese coffee.

• Awaken your senses with more than caffeine this weekend as Whole Body Method Pilates opens in Echo Park. The Grand Opening party happens Saturday May 17 from 3 pm – 8 pm with Pilates demonstrations, raffles/ giveaways, and food and drink. The new studio looks to make a splash  by offering free Pilates classes and other opening specials during their first week.

• As the mercury continues to rise, LA Magazine says there’s no better way to cool off, gastronomically speaking, than with a plate of ice-cold oysters. Silver Lake’s L&E Oyster Bar shucks the competition when it comes to value for quality while nearby Cliff’s Edge, and Boyle Heights’ Mariscos Jaliscos truck offer legitimate competition even at an eyebrow-raising $1 price tag.

• Cool off with a cocktail at Los Feliz’s El Chavito. LAist rates it one of the city’s best Happy Hours with $4 margaritas and well drinks, and $3 canned beers.

The start of a fun night out begins at Masa of Echo Park

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza at Masa of Echo Park

Going to a show at The Echo? Attending a gallery opening? Or do you just plan to stroll around the neighborhood? Whatever you plan to do in Echo Park tonight, Masa of Echo Park is the place to start with a tasty meal – Deep Dish Pizza? Manchego Salad? – good service and a welcoming vibe. Call (213) 213-989-1558 to place your order or make a reservation.

This sponsored content is an advertisement on behalf of Masa of Echo Park