Monthly Archives: May 2012

Truxton’s American Bistro Coming To Santa Monica

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It looks like Westchester’s local fave, Truxton’s American Bistro is expanding to Santa Monica into the derelict building that used to house the dump Overunder Sports Grill, right next to club Central on the corner of 14th and Santa Monica Blvd.  Signs are up and, while there’s still a way to go, it looks like construction is well underway.  No news on the website, but you can check out the menus and read more at: truxtonsamericanbistro.com.  I’ll keep you posted as an opening draws near…

Update:  I spoke with someone at the original Truxton’s who informed me that they will be opening sometime within the next year.

Juice Crafters Set To Open In Brentwood

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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.

 

 

Bibigo Coming July To Century City Shopping Center

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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.

 

Photos From Melisse’s Foie Gras Fracas

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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 Festival Food Line-Up

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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.

 

Sorabol Korean BBQ & Asian Noodles Now Closed In The Century City Shopping Center

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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.

 

Pei Wei Asian Diner Coming To Beverly Hills

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With location across the US and closer to home in Torrance, Pasadena, and Seal Beach, it looks like Pei Wei Asian Diner is moving into the corner space at 270 North Beverly Drive (at Dayton) in Beverly Hills.  With a wide and varied menu that emphases Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese influences, Pei Wei also offers a variety of vegetarian, low-fat, and gluten-free options.  Check out their menu and read more here:  peiwei.com. 

 

Obikà’s Salute To Lazio Dinner, May 22nd

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 Obikà in Century City continues to explore the various regional cooking of Italy with a specially-themed dinner on Tuesday, May 22nd at 7:00pm.  This month, they will be highlighting the flavorful vegetables and pasta of the region of Lazio with a 4 or 5 course menu.  Wine pairings complete the experience of a romantic, leisurely dinner in Rome (via Century City Shopping Center).  Cost is $38 and $15 for the pairing.  Call 310 556-2452 for reservations. obikala.com.

 

Native Food Cafe Now Open In Westwood; New Menu Items

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Native Foods Cafe is celebrating the re-opening of its Westwood branch, now open right next door to the old one at 1114 Gayley, with new menu items.  Look for such seasonal treats as:  grilled California caesar, Bangkok curry bowl, Maryland tempe cakes, roasted chile taco trio, and strawberry shortcake parfait.  Check out the entire menu here: nativefoods.com/menu.