I’ve been watching the space at 115 Santa Monica Blvd. in Downtown Santa Monica for a while. Early last year, the Yelp-eviscerated Gate of India pulled up stakes and the windows were papered over. Finally, an ABC application taped to the front informs us that something called Tumbi Bar and Restaurant will soon be moving in. I can’t find out much information on the new eatery, but I’ll keep watching…
I’ve long known that something was taking over the old star-crossed Fraiche space at 312 Wilshire Blvd. in Downtown Santa Monica. But for whatever reason, it has taken a ridiculously long time. Well, construction has finally begun, and an ABC application posted high above the door indicates that a branch of Panini Café will soon occupy the troubled address.
Sadly, the sputtering food scene that is the third floor of Santa Monica Place is about to produce another casualty. According to a spokesperson, after a 6 year run, Pizza Antica will permanently shut down the ovens the day after Labor Day, September 5th. (That means your last day for the Tuesday half-priced wine deal will be August 30th.) No word on what may take its place, and if you’ve grown fond of their seasonal salads and crispy pies, you’ll have to travel a bit as all their other locations are in the Bay Area.
I just noticed that a new pizzeria appears to be heading to Culver City. There’s a sign up on the corner space in The Oliver complex at 11955 W. Washington Blvd. announcing that Wall St. Pizza will soon be moving in. Can’t find out much info on this restaurant, but I’ll keep watching…
This took a bit of digging… I recently noticed that an ABC application was pasted on the front of yet another big build-out just a short distance from the upcoming Nushii, at 1061 Broxton, the old Five Guys space. No business name is listed. Likewise, the online application lists no business name either, so I tried a search on the applicant. Turns out, Dignified Foods International LLC has another ABC application pending in Eagle Rock. And on that application they list the restaurant name as SpireWorks. A search for SpireWorks reveals a statement on LinkedIn that describes it as a build-your-own eatery with a focus on Turkish Döner, or spit roasted meats served with bread and toppings. Finally, their website doesn’t divulge much, but it does confirm that they are aiming to open this Fall in Westwood, and this Winter in Eagle Rock.
It looks like “something big” is coming to Westwood Village soon, to the old Le Pain Quotidien space at 1055 Broxton Ave. to be exact. What appears to be an extensive build-out will soon be the home of Nushii. The still developing website doesn’t give us much of a clue as to what type of restaurant Nushii will be, but The Daily Bruin informs us that sushi will be on the menu.
I just noticed that long-term Brentwood fixture Chang’s has served its last egg roll at 11726 San Vicente Blvd. And replacing it? Apparently we can expect a branch of the expanding chain Simply Salad.
And while we’re on the subject of closures… Sadly, storied Westwood institution The Glendon Bar & Kitchen will be serving its last cocktail today (August 12th). Not sure what happened to end their six and a half-year run, but I’m willing to bet that the party tonight will be a good one.
It takes a great deal of courage to open a restaurant in capricious Westwood Village. Eateries come and go faster than you can find a parking space. Sadly, it appears that Barbacoa Mexican Grill has thrown in the towel and vacated its space at 1030 Glendon Ave. No word on a replacement, and if you’ve developed a craving for their healthy brand of Mexican fare, you might have to drive a while as most of their other locations are in Utah.
It was only about a month ago I noticed that yet another poke restaurant was opening in voracious El Segundo. Wasting no time, California chain Poke Bar has moved in and is now dishing raw fish in the old Ugly Pie Company space at 2161B El Segundo Blvd. (next to Farmer Boys) . Read more and check out menus here.
I first noticed that something new was coming to the space at 11916 Wilshire Blvd. that formerly housed the fusty Western Los Angeles fixture Divita’s Pizzeria back in January, when window paper promised a new restaurant and wine bar brought to us by Vincent and Chase. Then in June, Divita’s iconic sign was changed and let us know the name of the new wine bar: Belle Vie Food & Wine. On Tuesday, Belle Vie (which means “beautiful life” in French) threw open its doors for the first time. The new eatery is helmed by Vincent Samarco and Cedric Nicolas, both of whom have cut their teeth in Paris restaurants. Expect a French-leaning menu (moules, frites, charcuteries, fromages, French wines) that also includes a few surprises like mac and cheese, gravlax, devilled eggs, and “Burgundy tacos“, all served in a cozy, neighborhood bistro and bar with warm service. Check out their website and read more here.
Neighborhood artisanal hand-crafted coffee and espresso expert Caffe Luxxe is turning 10 years old. To celebrate, they’ve created a special 10th Anniversary Blend, that you can sample for free starting today (Wednesday). And according to their website, tomorrow (August 4th) they will be handing out “FREE drinks all day” at all three locations in Santa Monica and Brentwood.
Back in August, I noticed that the windows of an erstwhile hair salon at 412 N. Bedford in Beverly Hills had been papered over with announcements that superfood bowl specialists Rawberri would soon be inhabiting the space. Well, something must have fallen trough… Recently, the announcements came down and a for lease sign went up. Apparently the space is again leased. I’ve no idea what may be coming, but I’ll keep watching.
Toddrickallen 