M.A.K.E. Opens October 1 In Santa Monica

Located in the space previously occupied by Piero Selvaggio in The Market at Santa Monica Place, Matthew Kenney Culinary and its associated M.A.K.E. Restaurant are currently in “friends and family” mode and are planning on opening to the public on October 1st. With restaurants in Oklamhoma City and Chicago, raw guru and author Matthew Kenney has designed a vegan concept that includes a communal omakase-style bar, an “airy dining room accented with natural woods and fabrics”, and an outdoor patio all situated next to a culinary school.  Look for a menu that is local, seasonal, and of course, plant-based and raw.  Read more about the ambitious project here: matthewkenneycuisine.com.

Update:  A manager told me on Thursday afternoon that the opening date was Oct. 1st, however Eater is reporting a Saturday opening.  la.eater.com/archives/

Susan Feniger’s Street’s “Break The Fast”

Susan Feniger’s Street has created a special a la carte “break the fast” menu for Yom Kippur on Wednesday, Sept. 26th.  Included on the menu are: Blueberry Crusted Noodle Kugel, White Cheddar and Chive Stuffed Latkes, Homemade Bagel Platter (with Smoked Fish Horseradish Spread, Broadbean Hummus with Roasted Lemons and Garlic, and Late Harvest Heirloom Tomatoes),  and an Artichoke and Feta Frittata with olive aioli.  Regular menu also available.  www.eatatstreet.com

Coffee Bean Coming To Century City Shopping Center

OK, so I know I’ve been a little obsessed with the Westfield Century City Shopping Center lately, but so much is happening to the food scene there.  And just when you thought they couldn’t possibly squeeze in one more eating establishment comes this… The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is building a free-standing kiosk right smack dab in the middle of the mall, near Tourneau. 

True Food Kitchen’s Cookbook Release October 9th

If you’re a fan of True Food Kitchen’s (Santa Monica and other locations) ethos of cooking that promotes “personal and emotional well-being”, you’re in luck.  Now you can create that kale salad at home. TFK has announced the release of their cookbook True Food: Seasonal, Sustainable, Simple, Pure on October 9th.  Authored by health guru Dr. Andrew Weil (with Sam Fox, CEO of Fox Restaurant Concepts, parent company of TFK and Michael Stebner, executive chef), the book will feature 125 recipes from “America’s healthiest restaurant”.  Get yours for $29.99. truefoodkitchen.com

 

Seasons 52 Tracker…

With locations around the country, The LA area’s first outpost of Seasons 52, the “fresh grill and wine bar” going into the old Houston’s space in the Westfield Century City Shopping Center, has long been slated to open in autumn.  Signs recently went up promising a November opening.  Santa Monica’s branch is scheduled to open sometime in winter.  I’ll keep watch, in the mean time check out more here: seasons52.com.

 

More Changes To The Century City Shopping Center Food Scene…

It’s been a wild ride over at the Westfield Century City Shopping Center with restaurants coming and going faster than I can keep track.  Here are a few more changes to the food court:  Baja Fresh is now closed with no word of a replacement, and customizable sandwich chain Which Wich is moving into the space to the left of the freshly opened Bibigo.  Check out more about Which Wich here: whichwich.com.

What used to be Baja Fresh…

 

Ferrarini Now Open In Beverly Hills

Wow!  Did that take a long time or what?   I first reported on the impending arrival of an Italian deli at 9622 Brighton Way in Beverly Hills (formerly Le Croissant) back in August of 2010.  Well, Ferrarini is now officially open and offering a menu of sandwiches, paninis, salads, espresso, and dolci highlighting specialty regional products from Italy, as well as select groceries.  One small problem though is that the refrigerated cases that they have had shipped from Italy are not functioning, but they should have things sorted out soon…

 

Upper West’s Junior Blind Dinner

Upper West is hosting a dinner on Sunday, October 6th at 6pm in which Chef Nick Shipp will be assisting students from the Junior Blind in preparing a special 4 course menu with 100% of the proceeds going to benefit the Junior Blind of America.  Cost is only $55 for an amazing cause.  Seating is limited, so grab a reservation by calling 310-586-1111 as fast as your fingers can dial. theupperwest.com

 

Craft Celebrates Beer Week…

On Sunday, September 23rd from 2pm to 6pm, Tom Colicchio’s Craft in Los Angeles is celebrating beer week by hosting a special event highlighting beers from the OC craft beer label The Bruery.  $125 (including gratuity and tax) gets you a tasting of 10 different beers with Chef’s pairings.  Read more about The Bruery’s beers here: brueryprovisions.com, make reservations here: amorini@craftlosangeles.com, more about Craft here: craftrestaurantsinc.com.