Stop the presses!  This just in from a very reliable source: You know that cavernous space in the Brentwood Country Mart that I referred to in a previous post as the “carcass of the City Bakery”?  A very reliable source has informed Toddrickallen that work has begun on “Thomas Keller’s casual cafe/bakery and produce market.”  Could this be the elusive Bouchon Bakery that Keller has been alluding to building in LA for some time now?   I stopped by this afternoon and sure enough, there are signs up stating that you can no longer walk through the space and there was ample evidence that work had begun.  If you listen carefully, you just may be able to hear westsiders exude a collective gasp of disbelief at their good fortune.  You can glimpse what’s likely to be coming at Bouchonbakery.com.

With the original in West Hollywood, it looks like Millions of Milkshakes is getting ready to open next week in the Westfield Fox Hills Mall.  Expect the usual designer milkshakes made with over 50 different toppings.  I’ll think I’ll steer clear of the Linsay Lohan though…

A reader sent news of soba cooking classes in Santa Monica.  Soba is my go-to noodle of choice.  Whenever I return from 99 Ranch Market or the Japanese supermarkets on Sawtelle, inevitably I bring back a supply to last a few months.  It’s earthiness stands up to heavily flavored sauces (such as a curry) and sparkles in lighter soy-bases sauces.  Or try substituting it for the traditional pizzoccheri in an Italian pasta of cubed and sautéed potato, cavolo nero, butter, parmesan, red pepper flakes, and toasted bread crumbs.  If you’ve every had the opportunity to have had fresh soba, then you know that these classes are a great opportunity.  They even offer vegan soba cooking classes!

Soba and Japanese Home Cooking Workshops:
Beginner to expert soba noodle classes with gluten-free offerings, Japanese market tours, knife skills, vegan dining, and more.

Locations and tickets online at mazumizu.com.