Franklin BBQ Hits LA; Corey Lee and Thomas Keller Discuss Identity and Cuisine

LOS ANGELES — Franklin BBQ is making its way from Austin to the City of Angels. Aaron Franklin will join Adam Perry Lang in creating a meaty two-night-only pop-up inside Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo's Animal on Fairfax Ave. Tickets to the event, which is called "El Jefe: Austin Midnight Dinner," cost $85 and can be obtained by calling the restaurant.

NEW YORK CITY — Chefs Corey Lee and Thomas Keller will join Mimi Sheraton at the 92nd St. Y in New York City on April 29th for a discussion entitled "Tasting America: Cultural Identity in Contemporary Cuisine." The chefs will discuss the ever-changing cultural landscape in America and how it relates to cuisine. Lee will be available after to talk to sign copies of his new book, Benu. Tickets can be purchased here.

DISNEY — Tiki-heads rejoice: Disney's Polynesian Village Resort in Orlando, Fla. is opening a new island-themed establishment called Trader Sam's Grog Grotto. The bar will feature Disney-fied decor, culturally-appropriate food, and adult beverages with names like Castaway Crush, Polynesian Pearl, and Tahitian Torch. The Grotto is looking to open mid-April.