Sadly, it appears The Overland Cafe, at 3601 Overland Ave. has finally given up the ghost. The cozy Palms neighborhood fave had been on the go for 50 years and fought hard to keep their doors open, including a rebrand as Overland Tap + Kitchen. There is a notice of closure and a brief message of thanks on their website. I’ll keep my eye on the commodious space to see what may develop.
(Thanks Michael!)
It appears that Montana Ave. is about to get yet another exciting dining option. It was only back in June when I told you about the abrupt closure of Le Macaron at 1301 Montana Ave. Wasting no time, another French-inspired eatery and treat shop is opening at this location. There is window covering up at announcing the arrival of Le Cafe de la Plage Santa Monica. Le Cafe de la Plage has a location in Malibu, and offers a menu of breakfast, lunch, pastries, and Intelligentsia Coffee. They are also known for their proprietary line of classic and vegan ice cream. We wish them the best of luck.
I heard from a disheartened reader (Thanks Sam!) that beloved coffee, tea, and boba purveyor Percolate had closed up shop from its ghost kitchen location at 11419 Santa Monica in the Sawtelle neighborhood of West LA. But apparently that’s not all. They appear to have closed all their LA locations as well. I’ll keep watching to see what may develop.
I normally don’t continuously post updates about businesses, but there is so much interest in this story that I feel compelled to pass this on. Last week I told you that “lifestyle cafe” Sogno Toscano would be opening this Thursday (July 20th), and that was originally the plan. However, they were able to clear a few of the permits early, so I can pass on this happy news: Sogno Toscano opened as of Tuesday (July 18th) and trust me, you’ll want to get in there before the crowds come.
Cozy brunch/lunch/take-away spot Marmalade Cafe is opening a second branch in Santa Monica. They already have their popular original location that opened on Montana Ave in 1990. Now there’s a banner announcing their impending arrival hanging over the space at 525 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 120 in Downtown Santa Monica, previously home to Sunnin Lebanese Cafe. This will be the eighth branch of the “fresh, high quality, eclectic, California-inspired” cafe.
Update: Marmalade is closing their Montana Ave. store and moving to this location.
Update: Marmalade is now open at this location.
Wow, that took a long time. I first told you about the arrival of “lifestyle cafe, wine bar, & specialty market” Sogno Toscano to 1512 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica almost a year ago, and since then, I’ve been peppered with questions from excited locals about when it would open. While Sogno Toscana (Tuscan Dream) is “USA’s largest Italian online food store”, known for delivery of fine Italian foods, they do operate two lifestyle cafes in New York. This will be The West Coast’s first branch. I had a chance to speak with the people behind the new cafe, who recently let me have a look. While I wasn’t able to take photos due to the fact that they are still unpacking and stocking, I can tell you the space is breathtaking, sort of Tuscany by way of Tulum. Appearing deceptively small from the street, the interior is bright and airy, with light wood, a long deli counter, coffee bar, and wine bar. There is also a large, charming wrap-around patio. They are still finalizing the menu, but you can get an idea of what may be on offer by looking at their West Village location’s menu here. There will also be wine tastings and other events. I can share that Sogno Toscano will officially open on Thursday, July 20th. Hours will be 8am to 10pm. Judging by what I’m hearing, I predict big crowds. You’re welcome….
Cheery lifestyle brand SunLife Organics is bringing their signature message, “to love, heal, and inspire”, to the Good People of Brentwood and Santa Monica. There’s window paper up on a commodious corner space in the Brentwood Town Center on the corner of San Vicente and 26th St. announcing the happy news. Expect a menu of their proprietary juices, shakes, bowls, and coffee/tea.
Since 1967, Beverly Hills’ destination for fine cheese and luxury foods and gifts has been The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills. In a somewhat surprising move, they are changing locations from their charming and cozy current home at 419 N Beverly Dr. to new digs at 9705 S Santa Monica Blvd, across two storefronts. Perhaps those searching for the perfect white truffle will bring more foot traffic to this sleepier part of The Golden Triangle. According to the note on the door, they are currently closed at both locations and will be open (at least for online orders) after July 9.
This is a surprise…. Having long anchored the corner of Lincoln and Montana Ave. in Santa Monica, it appears that icy treat purveyor Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt has unceremoniously disappeared. The space at 732 Montana is largely gutted and there’s a for lease sign up on the front. Not sure what happened to this branch of the popular self-serve yogurt chain, but I’ll keep my eye on the address to see what may develop.
The space at 23725 W. Malibu Rd. in Malibu has sat empty for a very long time. From 1991 until 2005, this location was the home of Wolfgang Puck and Barbara Lazaroff’s Granita. The for lease sign came down a while ago, but I didn’t have details of the new tenant. Recently, signs have gone up informing us that this will be a branch of breezy French charmer Zinqué. Seems like a perfect fit…
Toddrickallen 