Sampler Platter: Tacos, caviar, dim sum and space beer

Christmas is almost here...

• As long as you pretend East L.A. doesn't exist, here's a good list of top L.A. taco trucks. Budget Travel

• After finally discovering pho, Gridskipper finally discovers dim sum. Welcome to the San Gabriel Valley.

• Let them eat caviar! Beluga caviar seized by Italian customs officials will be given to the poor. BBC

• To Live & Eat in LA blogs about the new Flore Cafe taking over the old Vegan Spot's space in Silver Lake.

• Can going trayless cut food costs? The Food Section

• Meet the founders of Bees Without Borders, a nonprofit group that teaches beekeeping techniques in impoverished areas around the world. N.Y. Times

• Thirsty for "space beer" made from barley grown in the International Space Station? Too bad, it's not available to the public. Japan Times via Serious Eats

-- Elina Shatkin
Photo: Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times