Monthly Archives: November 2011

Debauve & Gallais Chocolates Now At Barneys In Beverly Hills

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While investigating the new house line of nibbles at Barneys in Beverly Hills called “Fred’s”, I came across an exciting discovery:  They now carry a line of the famous Debauve & Gallais chocolates from Paris!  Billed as the “world’s most exclusive chocolate”, the iconic chocolatier was founded in 1800 to serve the kings of France and famously created chocolates for the likes of Marie Antoinette, Proust, and Baudelaire as well as numerous kings and tsars.  We’re not talking the little yuzu and black sesame art pieces popping up in boutiques all over Paris right now.  This is old school sophistication and elegance.  Visiting their Paris shop or the now defunct New York store was like stepping back in time, with chocolates arranged like precious jewels in cases.  They will make the perfect gift this holiday season.  Read more at: debauveandgallais.com.  Barneys New York is at 9570 Wilshire Blvd in Beverly Hills. 

Z Garden, Santa Monica Now Open

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Z Garden, a sunny new bistro has just opened at 2350 Pico Blvd (at 24th) in Santa Monica.  Although the menu is still under development, the emphasis is on “fresh, healthy Mediterranean cuisine”.  Expect an assortment of classics such as falafel, fatoush, sandwiches, plates, and desserts served in a bright, minimalist boîte 

And So It Begins At The Market At Santa Monica Place…

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Wasn’t it just yesterday we were eagerly anticipating the changes at Santa Monica Place?  Here are a few sad photos of the first round of casualties atop the hiccupping mall.  As of Oct. 31st, Xino, the mod Chinese cavern once reviewed for the Times by Sister Irene herself is now caput.  And I’m sure that many die-hard fans of Piero Salvaggio are wiping away a tear over the demise of Primi Al Mercato, his ambitious restaurant/retail space.  Keep your fingers crossed that that’s all for now.  I ran into a former employee of Primi who told me that they simply did not have the traffic, with some evenings seating only three tables.  Sigh…

Ex-Xino
 
What used to be the “market” of Primi Al Mercato
 
The remains of Primi Al Mercato

Pizza Antica’s New Gluten Free Menu

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If you follow a gluten-free diet and miss pizza terribly, you’re now in luck!  Pizza Antica in the Santa Monica Place Mall was kind enough to let us know about their new gluten-free menu that you can check out here:  http://pizzaantica.com/pdf/GF_Menu.pdf.  They have teamed up with Azna Gluten Free to produce pizzas that are Roman style, thin and crackly crusted.  Pizza Antica is also offering the Italian corn-based pasta brand La Veneziane in its gluten-free pasta dishes.  Buon appetito!

pizzaantica.com

Josiah Citrin’s New Book Out

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Josiah Citrin’s new book, In Pursuit of Excellence, is just about to be released.  To celebrate, Josiah will be hosting a function at his flagship restaurant Melisse on Sunday  December 4th from 4pm to 7pm.  Hot off the press, the books will be available for signing, as well as food and drink.  Space is extremely limited… But if you’re a fan of Citrin’s, why not try your luck by sending yours and one guest’s name to Jannis Swerman at jannids@aol.com.

1104 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, California 90401  (310) 395.0881

Artisan House To Open First Week In December

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Artisan House - Break Bread, Share Wine, Feed The Soul. Coming Nov 2011.

According to a press release that just landed in my inbox, Artisan House, the upscale deli/market/restaurant going into the historic Pacific Electric Building at 600 South Main in Downtown, will open the first week of December.  The ambitious project is overseen by managing partner Patrice Rozat (Mr. Chow, Four Seasons) and exec Chef Jason Ryczek (One Sunset, Boa), who will oversee a lengthy upmarket Cal/Med menu designed to be “adventurous and socially responsible” (including the current trend in eco-hip: the rooftop garden).  The extensive selection of choices will include salads, soups, sandwiches, flatbreads, mains and will be available in two dining rooms, a large patio, bar, and deli designed to evoke a “stylish neighborhood hangout” with a look utilizing the building’s original turn-of-the-century romanesque and beaux-arts design.  The market will stock specialty items such as artisan olive oils and vinegar, condiments, jams, chocolates, beer and wine.  DJs will be spinning tunes Thursday through the weekend, and brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday.  Clearly a lot of thought and development have gone into the creation of Artisan House including my vote for best idea ever:  “take-home cocktails”. 

You can follow progress on their website:  www.artisanhouse.net.

Ultimate Food Fight Chef Competition In Venice

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The fifth in a series of travelling chef competitions, “The Ultimate Food Fight” takes place this Thursday, November 17th from 5:00pm to 6:30pm at the Whole Foods in Venice.  Chefs from Whole Foods have 30 minutes to create a unique dish out of basic stuffing.  Guest judges for the event are Ben Ford from Ford’s Filling Station, Casey Lane from The Tasting Kitchen, and Jason Bowlin from Catch at Casa Del Mar.  To get in, you have to donate two shelf-stable Thanksgiving food items to the Venice Housing Corp Food Bank.  RSVP to spven.marketing@wholefoods.com or by calling (310) 566-9480.  Whole Foods Venice is at 225 Lincoln Blvd. 

True Food Kitchen Hosts “Spontaneous Happiness” Event With Dr. Andrew Weil

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As you probably know, Dr. Andrew Weil was the consultant for the über-healthy menu at True Food Kitchen on the ground floor of Santa Monica Place. So it should come as no surprise that the good Doctor will be giving a presentation there on his new book, Spontaneous Happiness on Tuesday, Nov. 15th at 10:00am.  Included in the $45 fee will be a variety of True Food offerings including: kale salad, eggplant pizza, squash pie, and others.  Reservations are limited… call (480) 751-2176 to secure yours.  truefoodkitchen.com

Celebration Of The Truffle At Obikà, Century City

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Thanks to those busy pigs in Alba, Italy (although I think they’re actually dogs), truffle season is upon us!  And in case your budget doesn’t include an 8 course at Melisse, good news!  Obikà in the Century City Shopping Center celebrates the famous and traditionally pricey fungus Nov 15 starting at 6pm.  They are offering a special four course menu paired with wine that you can check out here: truffledinnermenu2011.  Cost is $85 for food, $28 for the wine pairing.  Seating is limited so call (310) 556-2452 ASAP for reservations or visit Obikala.com. 

 

Chocovivo, The Chocolate Mini Bar To Soft Open this Weekend In Venice

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Already a fixture at local farmer’s markets, Chocovivo, the “bean to bar” specialists are working fast and furiously on their new boutique, The Chocolate Mini Bar at 1504 Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice.  Passionate about chocolate, they only offer dark chocolate that is stone ground, organically raised, gluten-free, made in small batches, and sourced from a family plantation in Tabasco, Mexico.  Although by the looks of this photo taken last night they have a way to go, I was told by Alex Conn (VP of strategic development) that they are planning on a soft opening this weekend.  Read more at chocovivo.com.