LA Based “boutique chocolaterie” Milla Chocolates appears to be expanding west. Window signs are up on the front of the papered-over windows at 9414 Venice Blvd in Culver City announcing the impending arrival of confectionary treats. Not sure of an opening date so we’ll have to keep watching…
It was back in 2012 when I first noticed that a branch of Italian coffee specialists Spazio Caffe was on its way to 1511A Montana Ave. in Santa Monica. Having built a loyal local following, it’s a bit surprising to discover that they have abandoned the location. The space is completely gutted. I’m not sure what happened but I’ll keep watching to see what develops. 
After opening in Santa Monica earlier in the year, Bluestone Lane is expanding to Venice. I followed up on a tip from a reader (Thanks Barbara) and went snooping around the old Cerveteca location. I was able to confirm that 523 Rose Ave. will indeed soon be home to a branch of the Australian chain.
Ramen competition on Sawtelle is fierce… Add one more to the mix. A large banner over the space at 2012 Sawtelle Blvd. lets us know that a new noodle joint is on the way. Hailing from Shinjuku and named after a 17th century samurai, international chain Menya Musashi will soon be dishing their signature ramen and tonkotsu broth.
Boba places are numerous in Westwood and competition must be fierce. One casualty appears to be Boba Loca at 10946 Weyburn Ave. I’ll keep watching to see what may move in…
It appears that something new is coming the space that used to house the second incarnation of Books and Cookies at 2309 Main St. in Santa Monica, at least according to a recently posted ABC application. The application lists the applicant as 4 Jems Restaurants LLC, but omits an actual business name. An online search yields links to buzzy Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken in LA. So, I guess we’ll have to wait and see what develops. Let me know if you have any information…
I recently noticed fresh plywood covering the space next to upcoming Honeymee on the second floor of the Westfield Century City Shopping Center. It appears that a new startup, Redstraw Tea Bar, is joining the still-developing lengthy list of new food and drink establishments. On offer? According to their website, look for “fusion style tea with a variety of toppings”. They are shooting for a summer opening.
On a tip from a reader (Thanks Steve), I went by to check out what was going on at Westwood’s branch of sandwich chain Panera Bread. A large space available sign on the front confirms that they have indeed vacated the location at 1145 Westwood Blvd. Not sure what happened, although I can’t help but wonder if stiff competition from their ever popular neighbor Ike’s had something to do with it. I’ll keep watching to see what may develop…
Back in August of last year, I told you about a sign of hope in the risky restaurant scene on the third floor of Santa Monica Place. An ABC application let us know that Torrance’s The Dudes’ Brewing Company was taking over the commodious space once occupied by Pizza Antica. So, for all you who have been patiently waiting and checking for updates, I deliver this happy news: The Dudes’ officially opened its doors last week and is now supplying craft-brewed suds and pizza to the good people of Santa Monica.
Still more signs of trouble for the consistently sputtering food scene in Santa Monica Place. It appears that another of the concessions on the third floor has disappeared. CrepeMaker has unceremoniously vacated its food court location. In other news… If you were hopeful that the failed The Market space might return with the promise of a new food venture, I’m afraid your hopes are about to be dashed on the rocks. In case you haven’t heard, the space is being converted into the Zimmer Children’s Museum, at least according to the new window displays. Perhaps the Dudes’ Brewing Company, currently under construction, will breathe new life into the third floor.
Bursting on the scene back in 2012, The Refinery specialized in brew-to-order drip coffee. Sadly, it appears that they have disappeared from their space at 413 Santa Monica Blvd. in Downtown Santa Monica. An impressive note on the door graciously says goodbye to many of their loyal customers, each listed by name.
Montana Avenue’s branch of salad specialist Greens Up! burst onto the scene back in 2010. After an 8 year run in their diminutive space at 703 Montana Ave, they have decided to move to bigger digs. Greens Up! opens in their shiny new location at 912 Montana Ave. today, June 4th.
Popular chill Mexican joint Tacoteca unceremoniously closed a bit ago at 2460 Wilshire Blvd. Recently a window sign went up on the space informing us that a new bar called Gramercy is moving in. I can’t find much information on Gramercy. The Yelp page for Tacoteca lists it as “temporarily closed” with a scheduled opening date of June 9th, so I don’t know if this is owned by the same people or not. Let me know if you have any more information…
Toddrickallen 