Construction continues fast and furiously on the Seasons 52, going into the old Houston’s space in the Westfield Century City Shopping Center. Signs recently went up around what appears to be a new patio announcing the fall opening. Until then, check out the menu here: seasons52.com/menu.
Susan Feniger’s Street has added a few specials to help people with their “meatless Mondays”. Included are: jackfruit tacos, veggie tamales, and fried plantains, all for $5 each. Read more and get a glimpse of Susan’s upcoming book Susan Feniger’s Street Food at eatatstreet.com.
In case you’ve been asleep in a cave for a while, fresh juicing is big right now. Riding on the popularity of places like Kreation are a new set of über-healthy vegetable and fruit juice purveyors. The latest is Juice Crafters at 11682 San Vicente Blvd. in Brentwood (near the corner of Barrington). After the usual challenges, I was informed that the permits came through, window paper is down, and they are set to open “in a few days”. According to the website, they also have plans to open in Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, and Venice as well. After all, who can’t use a little detox now and then? Check out more at: juicecrafters.com.
James Beard award-winner, author, and tv guy Ted Allen will be signing copies of his recently released book In My Kitchen: 100 Recipes and Discoveries for Passionate Cooks this Saturday, May 26th at 12:00pm at Williams-Sonoma, 1600 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica.
With locations in Westwood, Beverly Hills, and around the world, Korean “healthy fresh” bibimbap chain Bibigo is moving into the recently closed Sorabol Korean BBQ space in the food court of the Century City Shopping Center. Look for a July opening… In the mean time, read more and try to spot clever words like “portmanteau’, “propitious”, and “gastro-diplomatic” here: bibigo.com.
It looks like Copenhagen Pastry is nearing completion on its brand new bakery at 11113 Washington Blvd. and plans on opening soon, at least according to the sign in the window. Signs are up and fixtures are in at the former automotive store space. I’ll keep you posted… in the mean time, read more at: copenhagenpastry.com.
It’s no secret that Josiah Citrin is against the upcoming July voter-approved ban on foie gras. Last night, May 14th, Citrin’s Santa Monica Michelin two-starred restaurant Melisse (melisse.com) held a $200 six course fundraising foie gras dinner with part of the proceeds going to C.H.E.F.S. (Coalition for Humane and Ethical Farming Standards), an organization of local chefs dedicated to fighting the California ban. In response, a number of animal rights organizations including the Animal Protection & Rescue League (www.stopforcefeeding.com) held a peaceful protest outside and a media circus ensued. Present were a number of local television stations, Santa Monica police, about 30 protestors, and a few bewildered patrons. Here a few photos of the melee:
Santa Monica’s yearly celebration of all things local, “earth-friendly”, and sustainable, the Santa Monica Festival is this Saturday, May 19th from 11am to 6pm at Clover Park. Here’s the official listing of this years food trucks: Border Grill Truck, The Bun Truck, Coolhaus, Crepe’n Around, Gastrobus, Go Chew Truck, Hawaiian Delight, India Jones, Let’s be Frank, Linde’s Almonds, Nom Nom Truck, Waffles De Liege, and Yalla. Admission is Free. Read more at: smgov.net/Festival.
More food truck news: Every Thursday night, Olympic High School at 721 Ocean Park (corner of Lincoln) in Santa Monica is hosting a Food Truck Night from 5:30 to 9:00pm. All proceeds to go fund supplies and activities at the school. Read more here: olympic.smmusd.org/temp/foodtruck.
Even as the food court in the Century City Shopping City continues to gain attention and praise for its diversity and quality (i.e. Jonathon Gold’s appraisal here), more and more stalls are sitting vacant (three so far). The latest to go, Sorabol Korean BBQ & Asian Noodles closed down this week. If you find yourself desperate for some mall chap chae, you can still find an outpost in the Sherman Oaks Fashion Square, Topanga Mall, or farther afield by checking their website here: sorabolrestaurants.com.
