In the local restaurant world, moving to the Valley is getting to be a thing (note our recent Sauce item on Scratch Bar fleeing BH for Encino). In response to a reader inquiry, The Sauce just checked out the status of previously announced openings of McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams (made with milk and cream from grass-fed cows) and the hipster favorite Alfred Coffee + Kitchen on Studio City's busy Ventura Place (home to Joan’s on Third, The Tuning Fork, Studio City Farmer’s Market). Alfred has locations on Melrose Place, Melrose Avenue, in Brentwood and a new one in Silverlake.

Yes, they're coming, woo hoo! Both plan to arrive in November—let's call it coffee a la mode. McConnell’s—also at downtown’s Grand Central Market—had planned to be open for summer ice cream season, but better late than never (a returning flavor, Burnt Caramel Apple, sounds appropriate for November as Thanksgiving approaches). In this age of exotic flavors, The Sauce is looking forward to McConnell’s Classics collection, which includes good ol’ peppermint stick. They’ve been in business since 1949.

McConnell’s coming to 12075 Ventura Place

Alfred Coffee + Kitchen coming to 12077 Ventura Place