Aren’t we all terribly glad the Mayans had it wrong? It looks like we’ve been blessed with another year of LA food scene craziness. And I’ll be right there with you in 2013… Let’s see what happens next. Until then, thanks for reading and Happy New Year!
With a reputation built on exclusivity and elegance, Mr. Chow in Beverly Hills (as well as other select cities) has long been the glamorous destination of choice for celebrities and the Industry set craving its signature brand of “Beijing High Cuisine” for almost 40 years. So it only seems natural that they would open a second California location in Malibu. Mr. Chow Malibu officially opens its doors New Year’s Eve. Inhabiting the old Nobu space in at 3835 Cross Creek Rd., #18A the new Mr. Chow will carry the same menu as its BH sister, but is aiming at a neighborhood bar feel. On New Year’s Eve they will be hosting two seatings, (one at 6:00pm and another at 9:00pm) after which they will be closed New Year’s Day, then open for dinner service only (lunch coming soon) on the 2nd of January. Until then, here’s a glimpse at the interior, which has a very classic Mr. Chow feel. They are currently taking reservations: Get yours by calling (310) 456-7600 just as fast as your little fingers can dial… mrchow.com
I wish to take a moment to thank all who read and support this blog. May your Holidays be filled with delicious memories! Cheers!
Just in the nick of time for Christmas, it looks like Which Wich, the do-it-yourself sandwich chain is now open in the Westfield Century City Shopping Center. In other thrilling developments, burger joint Fatburger has also opened in the food court. Read more at: whichwich.com, fatburger.com.
There is a plethora of coffee-capsule machines out there, but few companies have worked as hard as Nestlé subsidiary Nespresso in developing cult-status style. Their machines are sold in the choicest locations (not Bed, Bath, and Beyond), and their coffee is available only online after you join the ‘club’, or in their boutique in Bloomingdale’s. Their only U.S. free-standing boutique is on New York’s Upper East Side… until now. I’ve long heard rumors of a boutique opening in LA and lo and behold, as I was walking down Beverly in Beverly Hills on Wednesday, I noticed the workers applying the sign to the storefront at 320 Beverly Drive announcing the upcoming Nespresso Boutique. Unlike the tiny space in Bloomingdale’s, if it is like the NY store (and I’m told it will be), this will be a café with a light menu of pastries, salads, and sandwiches, but the real star of the show will be a sexy showroom to highlight the snazzy machines and designed to get you hooked on their brand of über-cool “grand cru” coffee. No word on an opening date, but I’ll keep you posted… nespresso.com
Update: Looks like they’re projecting a September 2013 opening…
Update: Nespresso Boutique and Café opened on October 16th, 2013.
I don’t know what offering they made to the Gods of Santa Monica Permits, but I know a few restaurateurs who’d love to get their hands on the invocation… Defying the famous SM red tape, it looks like Nekter Juice Bar opened on Monday (December 17th) with only a minor delay after a November projected opening. With locations throughout OC, their newest resides at 1422C 2nd St. in Downtown Santa Monica and offers a menu of fresh, healthy, raw juices, smoothies, and açaí bowls. Read more at: nekterjuicebar.com.
Banners on the fencing surrounding the renovation of the Marina Marketplace at 13450 Maxella Avenue in Marina Del Rey announce that the following restaurants will be going into the development: Le Pain Quotidien, Yardhouse, and Tender Greens. The new AMC Dine-in Theater is now open. All others are projecting a Spring 2013 opening.
Can’t live without a traditional Bûche de Noël this Christmas? Looking to send a real fruitcake? Desperately in need of Star of David cookies? Look no further than Bouchon Bakery in Beverly Hills, who recently began churning out holiday cakes, cookies, and pastries just in time for the Holiday party season. And because they’re from Bouchon Bakery, you know they’ll elicit squeals of delight from guests… Check out their entire list here: BouchonBakery.
8 Espressos Coffee House has quietly taken over the old Tanner’s Coffee in the strip mall at 11901 Santa Monica Blvd in West LA. Fashioning themselves as a community meet-up, the coffee house has scheduled event nights including comedy, open mic, and yoga. Read more at 8espressos.com.
Expanding pizza chain Joe’s Pizza is now open in the food court of the Westfield Century City Shopping Center. Read more at: joespizza.it.
You do realize that New Year’s Eve is less than a month away, right? So it’s not too early to begin planning. Susan Feniger’s Street is hosting a special event titled Getting Eve’n: A New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery Dinner. Billed as an evening of FLAVOR, FRIENDS, AND FOUL PLAY, you can enjoy a special menu as you get clues and try to figure out who dunnit. Included on the menu, will be intriguing dishes such as Shot in Cairo, Drowned in Mumbai (shot of Egyptian dukkah spice and warm housemade paneer in ‘drowned’ naan), and Snakepit Poisoning (viper chile and ginseng laced mandarin oranges). Seating is all evening long, cost is $65 per person and guaranteed to sell out so dial 323-203-0500 just as fast as your fingers can dial to score your reservation if you feel up for the challenge. Read more at: eatatstreet.
When you buy an entrée, side, and drink at Native Foods today (Wednesday, Dec. 5th), you’ll get a free dessert (they’ve brought out cranberry orange cupcakes just for the occasion), plus you’ll be helping a good cause as they’re donating a portion of the day’s profits to the Coastal Conservation Network. In other Native news, this weekend only, they’re offering a special cashew quinoa burger with carmelized onions, lettuce, tomato, and herbed mayo served with chili garlic spiced fries. Read more at: nativefoods.com.
Even though the sign proclaiming long-gone Valen Dolce never changed, the most recent inhabitant of the space at 1426 Montana Ave. #5 in Santa Monica was coffee shop Via Dolce (confusing, isn’t it?), that had moved from further up the street when competition from Sweet Lady Jane became too stiff. Via Dolce recently closed and in its place, a new ambitious venture has just opened. The brand-spanking new Pulse Cafe offers a healthy menu of vegetarian sandwiches, salads, breakfasts, smoothies, and gluten-free baked goods as well as coffee and tea. And they’re working on that sign… Read more at: westsidepulse.com.
Toddrickallen 