It looks like we can look forward to another year of LA food scene craziness. And I’ll be right there with you in 2014… Let’s see what happens next. Until then, thanks for reading and Happy New Year! Cheers!
In September, I told you about the plans to renovate sports bar Yankee Doodles at 1410 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica after a fire closed it down. It appears they have abandoned their plans to re-open. All signs promising a return have been removed and their Yelp page lists the once popular bar as permanently closed. And as you can see in the photo, a sports memorabilia pop-up has moved in.
Spanish tapas bar and restaurant Taberna Arros y Vi in Santa Monica is celebrating the new parking structure that opened right next door to them with a deal: 10% off your total bill. And while celebrating a new parking structure may seem like an odd idea, in Santa Monica, it makes a great deal of sense. 
Toddrickallen is grateful to all who visit this blog and wishes all readers a very Happy Christmas filled with laughter, joy, and of course, delicious food!
As I reported last week, the Yogurtland at 1426 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica had closed for renovation. But I noticed today that they took the renovation notice out of the window along with any reference to Yogurtland and it appears that they have completely vacated the space. I’ll keep watching…
Ubiquitous bakery chain Panera Bread will soon be landing squarely in the heart of Beverly Hills. Signs recently went up on the old Chamber of Commerce storefront at 239 S. Beverly Dr. announcing the impending arrival. No word on an opening date as yet, but until then, if you happen to be the last person on earth who has never heard of Panera, check out their website here.
Have you been wondering what’s happening on the corner of 14th and Santa Monica Blvd. in SM? Construction recently began on what I’ve previously reported to be the future Arden Liquor Parlour going into the old Central Club directly behind Truxton’s. I recently cornered Pablo Moix, who along with his partner Steve Livigni, is responsible for a number of hip bars in LA, as well as the wildly popular new Scopa Italian Roots in Venice and learned that their upcoming cocktail establishment will not be called The Arden Liquor Parlour, a name created for the City permits that references a painting. They have yet to decide, but the new name could end up being a nod to the building’s history as a bookie joint. At this point, they are looking for a mid-February opening, but as we all know, this is Santa Monica, so we wish them the best of luck.
Meizhou Dongpo, the Sichuan restaurant opening on the second floor of the Westfield Century City Shopping Center did not make its projected opening date of December 2nd as I had reported earlier. On Saturday, a rep from the restaurant told me that they plan on opening this Tuesday, Dec. 17th. We’ll keep our fingers crossed… Until then, here’s what the scene looked like over the weekend. meizhou.com
This weekend only, vegan chain Native Foods Café is dishing up a special sandwich, the Korean BBQ Sub, consisting of Asian marinated seitan, pineapple slaw, red peppers, and crispy mushrooms on a toasted baguette and served with fries for $9.95. But you’d better hurry, the sandwich will disappear after December 15th. Read more and find a location here.
If you find yourself a bit peckish today (Dec. 13th) and in the mood for some Holiday fare, drop by the Whole Foods on the corner of Montana and 15th in Santa Monica for their Holiday Tasting Extravaganza. From 11am until 4pm they will be handing out samples of their festive take-away appetizers, mains, and desserts.
Only open since late last year, the Yogurtland at 1426 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica appears to have temporarily closed down for a renovation. No word on a re-opening date, but until then, read more here.
Vegan chain Veggie Grill has rolled out its new winter menu with over 10 new items including new bowls, plates, sandwiches, mini wraps, and salads. Check out the complete menu here.
I’m utterly gob-smacked… I can’t recall the last time I’ve seen a restaurant open so quickly on the Westside. If you remember, Osteria Latini only just closed up shop on November 17th in the tiny space at 11712 San Vicente Blvd. in Brentwood. Astonishingly, Adoteca has opened in the same space a mere 18 days later on Wednesday (Dec. 4th). Brought to you by the same people behind Ado on Main St. in Venice and Casa Ado in MDR, expect a solid and accomplished Italian menu with dishes such as Prosciutto e Burrata, Risotto ai Porcini e Mirtilli (risotto with porcini and blueberry), and Orta alla Griglia servito su un Letto di Caponata (grilled sea bream on a bed of caponata) served by friendly and accommodating staff in a dimly lit, intimate dining room.
Custom order pizza restaurants are popping up like weeds. The latest appears to be moving into one of the spaces (2161B El Segundo Blvd.) in the developing repurposed fire station on the corner of El Segundo and Nash in El Segundo next to the eternally under-construction future Farmer Boys restaurant. With one location in Long Beach, Toppings Custom Fired Pizza promises a pie that’s ready to eat in 90 seconds. Read more about the fledgling chain here.
To those of you that are obsessed with Meizhou Dongpo comes this welcome news: The Beijing-based Sichuan restaurant is slated to open today (Dec. 2nd) on the second floor of the Century City Shopping Center. meizhou.com.cn
Update: They are currently shooting for a December 17th opening. Read more here.
Toddrickallen 