Chicken Bun Bun Now Serving Specialty Sandwiches In Sawtelle Japantown

A new chicken sandwich option recently opened at 2222 Sawtelle Blvd. in Sawtelle Japantown.  Chicken Bun Bun has made a name for itself serving proprietary chicken sandwiches, but they also offer wraps, wings, and tenders.  With branches in Alhambra and Newport Beach, this is the tertiary location for the mini chain.

Dunkin’ Donuts Opening In Sawtelle

People are often divided on the subject of Dunkin’ Donuts:  It has legions of superfans, and its fair share of detractors as well.  Regardless of which side you fall on, it’s hard not to admit that DD is super convenient, fast, and reliable.  Now, the good people of the Sawtelle neighborhood will soon be getting a chance to sample the East Coast chain’s famous java and pastries themselves.  There’s a new Dunkin’ Donuts landing on the corner of Butler and Olympic, at 11419A Olympic Blvd., right next to the upcoming Ivory’s Bake Shop that I told you about back in June.

Tacos Por Favor Replacing Cock N’ Bull In Santa Monica

Ever since dusty British-themed watering hole Cock N’ Bull closed at 2947 Lincoln Blvd., I’ve been peppered with questions about what would take over the address located in the quickly gentrifying section of Santa Monica.  Recently construction has been fast and furious at the site, which stands only a block away from a much-anticipated branch of Tartine.  One of my readers, (Thanks Jeff!) employed some excellent sleuthing skills to uncover the new tenant.  Apparently, Tacos Por Favor will be soon fill the space.  While I don’t have confirmation, there is a “surrendered” ABC application listing the Tacos Por Favor at this address. Tacos Por Favor currently operates three locations on The Westside and offers a menu of tacos, burritos, tortas, tostadas, and combos.

Palm Restaurant Waves Goodbye To Beverly Hills

It’s always sad when Beverly Hills loses one of its historic dining institutions….  I’m hearing from shocked readers that celebrity hangout and industry powerhouse Palm Restaurant has closed its legendary doors at 267 N Canon Dr Suite A7.  I went by to gaze upon its faded glory, and sure enough, all signs have been pulled down from the iconic steakhouse.  I’ll keep my eyes on the location to see what may develop, but in the meantime, read about their storied history and get very, very nostalgic…

(Thanks Jonny!)

Little Hawaii Juice Bar Coming To Downtown Santa Monica

There’s strange window paper up on the space most recently occupied by Belgian confectionary experts KC Chocolatier.  1431 B 2nd St. is covered over with photos of various bowls, tropical images, and bold letters promising “Juice, Smoothie, Bowls”.  Santa Monica Daily Press clears up the mystery by naming the new business as Little Hawaii Juice Bar.  Get the skinny in their article here.

Nuvola Bringing Pedigreed Italian To Brentwood Village

There’s a new ABC application on the front of the space at 145 S Barrington Ave. in Brentwood Village.  The name of the new eatery is Nuvola, but that doesn’t bring up much on a search.  The license details reveal two names, Luca Crestanelli and Roberto Facciolla, both of whom are associated with local Italian powerhouse Toscana Restaurant Group.  I don’t know what is exactly in store (the window display seems to imply more of a deli), but definitely exciting news for the tony, exclusive neighborhood.

Rabano Bringing “Fresh And Healthy” To Main St.

The space at 2507 Main St. in Santa Monica has been a bit of a mystery for the last few years.  Once the home of Novel Cafe, the space has been gutted with intermittent construction.  Readers assured me it was either going to be a restaurant, or bar, or something, but I could never verify anything… until now.  A sign recently went up over the door announcing the arrival of Rabano Handcrafted Food & DrinksRabano has a location in Hermosa Beach and has a “fresh and healthy” menu of salads, bowls, and sandwiches that utilizes local ingredients and focuses on the environment.

Lei’d Cookies Opens Saturday In Culver City

It was only a little over a month ago when I told you about the arrival of popular cookie purveyor Lei’d Cookies to 8588 Washington Blvd. in Culver City.  Wasting no time whatsoever, they are opening this Saturday, Oct.7th.  Doors open at 3pm and there will be gifts for the first 50 people.  We wish them the best of luck…

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Opening A New Santa Monica Location

I’ve been reporting on the closure of many local The Coffee Bean & Tea Leafs in recent years.  All the closures seemed to be a pattern and I was afraid that that didn’t bode well for the java franchise.  But lo and behold, a brand new CBTL is moving into the old deli space in the medical building at 2021 Santa Monica Blvd (corner of 20th St.).  Could this begin a refresh for the storied SoCal coffee chain?

Panda Express Opening A New Location In Marina Del Rey

Congratulations Good People of Marina del Rey, mall-quality Asian food is heading your way!  There’s a banner hanging on the commodious space on the corner of Lincoln and Washington announcing the arrival of food court fixture Panda Express.  Right now the space is gutted so you may have to wait a bit for your orange chicken…