Diana Kennedy at the Loteria Grill Hollywood

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Last night chef-owner Jimmy Shaw opened the doors, if only for the evening, to his new Loteria Grill Hollywood to host a book signing for cookbook author Diana Kennedy. Kennedy’s 1989 classic cookbook, ‘The Art of Mexican Cooking,’ has just been reprinted, and Shaw, a devoted fan of both book and author, cooked food from Kennedy’s recipes for the party.

It was a nifty way to celebrate Kennedy while allowing a sneak peek inside the new restaurant, set to open on ‘June 10, 11, 12 -- somewhere in there,’ said Shaw. The sleek, bright spot, just west of the Geisha House on Hollywood Boulevard, was filled with fans of both chefs. Partygoers happily filled their plates with barbacoa, ensalada de nopalitos and higaditos de pollo en chipotle. Shaw cited the page number from the book for the last dish, and promised it would be on the new menu as a special. At the new restaurant, look for a menu very similar to the current one at the Farmers Market Loteria Grill, ‘only deeper’, says Shaw. Kennedy won’t still be there, unfortunately, when the doors officially open -- but she’ll definitely be there in spirit.

Loteria Grill Hollywood, 6627 Hollywood Blvd.

-- Amy Scattergood