At this time of year, I like to pause and express heart-felt appreciation for all who read and support this site. A very special thanks to all who take the time to send tips, emails, and comments. You all make writing this blog worthwhile. As we look forward to another year of LA food scene craziness, I’ll be right there with you as your trusted source for Westside food news. I wish everyone a joyful, prosperous, and delicious 2024!
There’s a small now hiring sign in the window of 1447 Ocean Ave in Downtown Santa Monica, a tiny space most recently occupied by Earthbar. The notice names the new business as Coffee With Creme & Sugar. The website lists a menu of coffee, tea, signature drinks, and sweet treats. 
A sharp-eyed reader (Thanks Dean!) let me know that a new restaurant is taking over the old space that used to house Humble Potato at 8321 Lincoln Blvd. in Westchester. The new signs are already up announcing a branch of HiroNori Craft Ramen. HiroNori has locations throughout California and features proprietary “authentic ramen noodles, stock, and sauce“.
To all my dedicated readers and everyone who visits this site, I wish the best that the Season has to offer. May your Holidays be filled with all manner of delicious things and your celebrations be bright and joyful. I really do appreciate each and every one of you!
And just like that, a new bakery has appeared in Santa Monica. Modern Bread & Bagel has moved into the old Breadblok space at 1511A Montana Ave. Modern Bread & Bagel currently has two locations in New York, and one in The Valley. They specialize in breads and famous bagels that are organic and gluten-free, and also offer a menu of bagel sandwiches, salads, bowls, and breakfast items.
This is a public service announcement: This isn’t exactly news (It happened a short while ago), but people are shocked and still writing me to let me know that Del Frisco’s Grille has vacated their prominent corner spot on the corner of Ocean and Colorado, across from The Santa Monica Pier. With its stunning view, and catering primarily to tourists, Del Frisco’s Grille was known for their good happy hour and for special events. I’ll keep watch on the tricky location to see what may develop.
(Thanks Jonny and others!)
Known for their over 100 flavors of ice cream and yogurt that are made fresh daily at each location, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream has been quietly expanding recently, with locations in Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach, as well as others. Now there’s one more. Readers have been letting me know that there’s a new branch at 4130 Sepulveda Boulevard in Culver City.
(Thanks Andrew!)
This from my inbox:
If you blinked, you probably missed when Roca Pizza was open at 1061 N Swathmore in Pacific Palisades. They were only open about six months. Now the location is getting another pizza restaurant, Jemma Pizzeria. Jemma Pizzeria is another project of Jackson Kalb (Ospi, Jemma di Mare) who spilled the beans to Eater about what to expect.
Tara’s Himalayan Cuisine threw open their doors in July of 2019, at 262 26th St. in Santa Monica, just across from the Brentwood Country Mart. At the time, the introduction of Himalayan food to the tony neighborhood caused quite a stir. Sadly, readers are reporting to me that Tara’s has since disappeared from this location. Apparently, fans can still order from the Venice location.
I must say, this is a bit of shock… Riding the cupcake wave of the early 2000s, Vanilla Bake Shop burst on the scene 16 years ago and quickly became Santa Monica’s go-to spot for baked treats. Sadly, they have quit their longtime location at 512 Wilshire Blvd. A gracious note in the window thanks their customers and introduces a new bakery to take over: The Butter End Cakery. Apparently, the LAX location of Vanilla Bake Shop is still up and running.
Update: The Butter End Cakery is now open at this location. (09/2024)
Toddrickallen 