Combo Plate: Smoothies, Chinese brown sauce and more

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-- McDonald’s is reportedly halting its planned giveaway of its new real fruit smoothie. I can’t help but wonder: Is this really because of the building demand? Or is it to help build said demand? Either way, now I really want to try one. [Wallet Pop]

-- Finding the speakeasy-style Basement Tavern in Santa Monica requires some work: You have to enter through a parking lot, pass by the wafting stench of trash bins, navigate a loading dock....

-- LAist dines with “Top Chef”-er Michael Voltaggio as he prepares to leave the Dining Room at the Langham for parts-as-yet-unknown. Lots of photos.

-- What IS Chinese “brown sauce”? The Atlantic is glad you asked.

-- The British pub Ye Coach & Horses is set to close in Hollywood -- after 73 years in business. [Eater LA]

-- Have any linking news for Combo Plate? E-mail me at rene.lynch@latimes.com.

-- Rene Lynch
Twitter.com/renelynch