Monthly Archives: March 2020

Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop Heading To Downtown Santa Monica

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After sitting idle for a while, the restaurant at 331 Wilshire Blvd., that used to be the home of short-lived The Gables, is finding a new tenant.  A banner is hanging over the entrance announcing that a branch of the salad, sandwich, and bowl chain Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop is moving in.  However, the banner is delcaring that this branch will be called Greenleaf Kitchen & Cocktails.  An ABC application in the window confirms the cocktails part.  No word on an opening date, and I would expect big delays right now…

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Kitchen Story Closed In Sawtelle Japantown

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Kitchen Story burst onto the scene back in 2015, when it began serving its signature Korean food from its location at 2129 Sawtelle Blvd.  A reader recently pointed out to me that they are now permanently closed, so I went by to check it out.  A gracious note on the front door announces the closure and thanks its customers for the support. The closure actually happened in January and preceded the current state of affairs.

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Buena Vida Tea Bar & Garden Coming To Montana Ave.

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It appears that a new tea room is heading for the space that used to house a florist shop at 726 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica.  Window paper is up announcing that Buena Vida Tea Bar & Garden is moving in.  The window paper promises us orgainic fair-trade tea, baked goods, afternoon tea, ceremonial events, and an outdoor patio.

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Menya Musashi Permanently Closed in Sawtelle Japantown

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It was only back in June of 2018 that I told you about the arrival of Menya Musashi to 2012 Sawtelle Blvd.  But as we know, ramen competition in Sawtelle Japantown is fierce.  Sadly, they have given up the ghost.  A gracious note on the front confirms that they have permanently closed, and thanks patrons for the support.

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Somi Somi Bringing Some Cheer To Downtown Santa Monica…

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Back in October of last year, I told you about the disappearance of Pinkberry from 1456 Third Street Promenade in Downtown Santa Monica.  Wasting no time whatsoever, expanding chain Somi Somi has opened in the space and is now serving their signature brand of “Korean-inspired” soft service ice cream.  And, at the time of this writing, while other places have currently closed (or are offering take away), they are still open, giving us all a little needed cheer right now.

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A Message From Toddrickallen…

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We’re living in extraordinary times.  COVID-19 is on everyone’s mind right now, and it is especially affecting the restaurant business to which this site is devoted.  I started this blog 13 years ago as a reliable food news source with a simple dictum;  at least three posts a week.  But we are experiencing unprecedented disruption.  As I suspect all of you are, I simply am not out in my community as much as I normally would be and therefore may, for the first time ever, have to break my founding dictum.  But I’m still here.  Over the next few weeks, I will do the very best I can to deliver what news I may encounter.  I realize your attentions may be elsewhere right now and as always, I appreciate your continued support. In the mean time, you are all on my mind and I wish you and yours health and safety.  Together we will get through this…

100% Ice Cream & Coffee Coming To Santa Monica Place

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As you know, mall food courts have been hit hard with closures.  The third floor of Santa Monica Place is no exception.  But one plucky contender is going to give it a try.  Plywood is up on the space just to the left of the food court announcing that something named 100% Ice Cream & Coffee is moving in.  I don’t have much information on this place, but the sign says that organic grass fed ice cream will be on offer.

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Tartine Santa Monica’s Opening Date Will Be…

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This just landed in my inbox…  Ever since I first told you about Tartine‘s expansion to Santa Monica, a great many of you have been checking for updates, so here ya go:  Tartine Santa Monica will throw open their doors on March 17 at 1925 Arizona.  Hours are Monday – Friday: 7:00am – 3:00pm, Saturday – Sunday: 8:00am – 4:00pm.  You’re welcome…

What’s Going On At Yogiyo And Seasalt In Santa Monica?

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On a tip from a reader (Thanks Adrian!), I went by to check on the suspect state of affairs at 508 and 510 Santa Monica Blvd. in Downtown Santa Monica.  The reader had told me that next door neighbors Seasalt Fish Grill and Yogiyo Korean BBQ had closed down.  Sure enough, both are locked tight.  However, both also have exactly the same sign in the window saying that they will be “re-opening soon”.  I don’t want to pronounce them permanently closed, but we’ve seen this before…

Beach & Brew Replacing Kifune In Venice

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When landmark Kifune Sushi Bar closed up shop at the end of last year after 34 years due to the owner’s retirement, it left a giant hole at 405 Washington Blvd in Venice.  Now it looks like a new venture is giving the prominent corner a go:  An ABC application taped to the front door informs us that something called Beach & Brew is moving in.  I can’t seem to find much on B&B, so if you have information let me know…

The Beverly Hills Tea Room Replaces Bedford & Burns In Beverly Hills

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Readers have been letting me know that Bedford & Burns has disappeared from Beverly Hills.  The American bistro and bar has had a long history in Beverly Hills, but had been in its current incarnation at 369 N Bedford Dr. since 2013.  Apparently something new has quickly and quietly slipped in to take its place.  An ABC application in the window lists the business as The Beverly Hills Tea Room.  But a notice in the window explaining the current closure due to floor repair lists the name as The Bar & Tea Room.  Let me know if you have more information…

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Bok Bok Continues Its Expansion Westward With Two New Locations…

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The recent turnover in the food court of the Century City Shopping Center is breathing new life to into the dining scene there.  Plywood is up on the space that used to house Bibigo Kitchen (which has moved locations in the mall) announcing the impending arrival of Bok Bok Mediterranean.  And that’s not all:  According to their website, they will be opening a location at 235 Main St. in Venice as well.  Look for a menu of panini, pitas, and plates of shawerma, falafel, rotisserie chicken, with other Mediterranean specialties.

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