Dishes and drinks that have us doing a double-take this week include cocoa-infused fettuccine, a new cocktail at Hello Kitty Grand Cafe, and oatmeal congee carbonara.

Related: Hello Kitty parent 'eggs' L.A. bowling alley

Restaurants We’re Dying to Try: Roast duck for two; eel with secret sauce and magic mushrooms

Those of us at Restaurant Hospitality regularly see what independent operators are dishing out, but some menu items make us stop and stare — whether they involve an out-of-the-box way of using an ingredient, the appearance of a burgeoning trend or simply stunning presentations. We bring you NOM: our New on the Menu weekly roundup.

Email Anna Kang at [email protected]

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