the BEAT of the week: Short Order.

Now, I have yet to try out Short Order, the new restaurant from L.A.'s beloved Amy Pressman and Nancy Silverton, since it only just opened a week and a half ago, but I guess that's not really excuse.

Because still, it's surely one to recommend. It's been 30 years in the making for Pressman and Silverton, both of whom once worked at Spago, and the latter moved on to help build Mozza. Short Order also boasts a cocktail menu created by the award-winning mixologist Julian Cox.

So expect some big lines as you wait outside the Original Farmers' Market on Third Street. Once you get in, though, be prepared for some delicious burgers, corndogs, melts, salads and custard shakes -- all artisanal and handmade. What more can you ask for?

If you make it in sometime soon, report back! I'll be in line.

Short Order is located at the Original Farmers Market at 6333 W. Third St. in Mid-City.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Short Order

Eat Out. Lotería Farmers Market.

I'd been wanting to try the Farmers Market Lotería for a long time, and finally did on Wednesday night for a colleague's going-away party. I had a potato and cheese quesadilla and cantaloupe agua fresca. And then I went back for lunch on Thursday and got shredded beef tacos (photo above). It's so fresh and flavorful--really great Mexican food. The setting is open-air and really casual, perfect for meeting friends after work or for a quick lunch alone.

Last fall, I wrote about brunch at Hollywood's Lotería Grill.

6333 West Third Street in Los Angeles. Info: loteriagrill.com, (323) 930-2211

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: the BEAT

Do It. West Third Street holiday party tonight.

West Third Street is one of the best eating and shopping streets in L.A. Tonight is their annual holiday party, from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Participants include Magnolia Bakery, Joan's on Third, Trina Turk, Alexis Bittar, and Benefit Cosmetics, among others.

Stop by for some discounts (20% off at Benefit between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., 25% off and nail polish gift with purchase at Trina Turk) and fun (chocolate and wine at Alexis Bittar)!

Thursday December 9, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. West Third Street between La Cienega and Fairfax

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: mondette.com

Eat Out. Sushi Roku 2.0.

The long-awaited remodel of Hollywood's Sushi Roku is finally finished, and the restaurant is re-opening (as Sushi Roku 2.0) this Friday night -- October 22.

They're advertising that guests can expect a "New Look", "New Menu", and "New Style". Fortunately, the menu isn't entirely new, as some favorites made sense to keep.

Sushi Roku is located at 8445 W Third Street in Los Angeles. (323) 655-6767, sushiroku.com.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: arizonafoothillsmagazine.com

Eat Out. Joan's on Third.

Joan's on Third is a great lunch spot on West Third Street between the Beverly Center and The Grove. It's casual with a gourmet flair. After a recent remodel, they've widened their space to include a cheese section, a dessert section (cupcakes galore!), a separate area for ordering out, and a large communal table indoors. Speaking of a table ... the one downside to Joan's on Third is the potential problem of not being able to find a table when your food is ready. Even with a substantial outdoor seating area, and tables up the left side of the inside space, there always seems to be a shortage of eating space. I have had to change my order from "for here" to "to go" on a busy weekend afternoon because of this.

The food is spot-on. They have a deli case full of treasures for a foodie, including the salads which made up my salad trio (above). Beets with goat cheese, pasta with pine nuts, you name it, they've got it. The curried chickpeas are a favorite. They also make a mean grilled cheese (large slices of white bread, and the option to add tomato slices or bacon), tuna melts, turkey breast sandwiches, homemade macaroni and cheese ... the list goes on. Grab an Izze sparking juice drink and enjoy.

A note for the out-of-towners: Joan's prime celebrity-spotting territory. Hilary Swank, Katie Holmes and Kirsten Dunst are all fans. I've seen the Million Dollar Baby there myself.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: the BEAT