While not exactly shocking given that Joe Bastianich is a Mozza partner, but Joe’s mother, famed Italian food expert Lidia Bastianich will be center stage at a special Osteria Mozza dinner on Saturday, March 5th at 7:30pm to discuss “Italian food and wine culture”.  A special paired 5 course dinner will prepared by chef Matt Molina from recipes taken from her book Lida Cooks From The Heart Of Italy.  If you were a fan of Lidia’s Italy on PBS (as I was), this is a great opportunity to meet the legend in person.   Cost is $175 per person and as always, these events sell out quickly so reserve ASAP by emailing sparenti@mozza-la.com or calling (323) 866-5290. 

It’s official!  In an announcement on Wednesday, the projected date for the opening of The Market At Santa Monica Place, the “Ferry Building-style” marketplace atop the new mall, is scheduled for May 20th, 2011.  According to the announcement: “The Market at Santa Monica Place will be a collection of independently owned purveyors of high-quality, artisan, organic, sustainable and gourmet food offerings and will include “foundational foods,” such as meats, olive oil, cheeses, breads, fruits and vegetables, in addition to gourmet ingredients, prepared foods and related merchandise, such as fresh flowers and one-of-a-kind gifts.”  Read more details here:  http://www.macerich.com/experience/news/article.aspx?id=97875&utm_campaign=new_stores&utm_medium=email&utm_source=smp&utm_content=market_go_announcement

Tim and Liza Goodell’s newest, Public Kitchen And Bar opened last night (Monday) in the Roosevelt Hotel at 7000 Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood.  Expect a menu of casual American in a relaxed bright and airy space.  The concierge at the hotel showed me the menu, but insisted that it wasn’t yet finalized and asked me not to photograph it.  But all of the items previously listed on EaterLA were verbatim on the menu.  Read more at http://la.eater.com/archives/2011/02/15/public_kitchen_bar_launches_within_the_roosevelt_feb_28.php or at http://www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/la/hollywood-roosevelt/eat/public-kitchen-and-bar.

Well, looks like it’s official.  I told you a few weeks ago that a ‘for lease’ sign had appeared in the then seldom open L’Epicerie de Paris at 310 North Camden Drive in Beverly Hills.  As you can see from the photo, they have completely cleared out.  No word on where they may have moved to, if at all.  Sorry LA, no more Fauchon madeleines and marrons glacés. 

I noticed a new restaurant going in at 1551 #2 Santa Monica Blvd. (near Federal) in West LA, so I had to check it out.  I met the owner Nory, who is putting the finishing touches on his venture, Naan Hut.  The menu will be classic Persian, but the star of the show will  be the house-made naans (breads), which will be baked in the large oven behind him in the photo.  Look for an opening by the end of February. 

Owner Mory in front of naan oven

I took a stroll through downtown Santa Monica this weekend.  Here’s a few of the things I noticed…

Sign and outside dining railing have gone up at the new Thai Dishes between 2nd and Ocean on Broadway.

Concrete poured for a new dining patio at the (slowly) upcoming True Food Kitchen, the new healthy concept restaurant developed with health guru  Andrew Weil, on the ground floor of Santa Monica Place.

Black mesh recently went up hiding the entrance to the anticipated The Market at Santa Monica Place, keeping out nosey bloggers.

Nosey Bloggers have their ways.  Progress continues inside The Market on top of Santa Monica Place.

Handsome new sign that went up last week at The Misfit going into the old Anisette space at 225 Santa Monica Blvd.  Read more at https://toddrickallen.com/2011/01/27/the-misfit-restaurant-santa-monica/

What a great deal!  Pizzeria Mozza is running a $20 special:  any Mozza pizza, dessert, and a glass of Bastianich Friulano or La Mozza Morellino di Scansano on Monday through Thursday from 12pm to 5pm, and then again from 11pm until 12am.  Sounds like a perfect afternoon to me…

http://www.pizzeriamozza.com/

Looking for a way to impress your macrobiotic lover this Valentine’s Day?  Then look no further than M Café de Chaya in Beverly Hills.  (My Valentine’s menu is always centered around a decidedly un-macro star anise-infused gruyère soufflé.)  Next Thursday Feb 10th,  executive chef Shigefumi Tachibe will be leading a cooking demonstration of a romantic dinner to impress that special someone.  Included on the menu are green tea truffles and something rather suggestively referred to as “lover’s hotpot”.  The demo runs from 6:30pm-8:30pm and the cost is $35.   Grab your spot by emailing amy@mcafedechaya.com.