Lesley Balla is a food writer in Los Angeles. Her blog is ChowBalla.com. This month she contributed to Angeleno Magazine's Restaurant Awards:
Best New Chef: Jordan Kahn of Red Medicine
Best New Mixologist: Julian Cox of Playa
Best New Restaurant: A-Frame
Best New Restaurant Design: Lukshon
Best New Dish: Porcetto from Sotto
Read the rest of her picks here.