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/