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 2025!
A sharp-eyed reader has been busy uncovering what is taking over the space that used to be home to a Chipotle, on the corner of LaBrea and Melrose, next door to legendary Pink’s Hot Dogs. An Instagram teaser appears to spill the beans that cult fave bakeshop Voodoo Donuts will be setting up housekeeping at 7101 Melrose. Voodoo Donuts began in Portland in 2003, and has since grown to 19 locations across seven states. They have garnered a lot of media attention and are known for “imaginative and distinctive doughnut flavors“.
(Thanks Lily!)
This from my inbox:
Tue., Dec. 31 / Various Santa Monica Bars / 6pm-2am / $20+
Say goodbye to boring and hello to a night filled with VIP treatment, exclusive drink specials, and a whole lot of fun!
Spend the night hopping between the hottest bars in Santa Monica with VIP entry and drink deals as low as $4 drafts and 2-for-1 premiums & champagnes!
Here’s the scoop: Registration: 6-10pm @ Barney’s Beanery or Jameson’s Pub, party till 2am, free entry to multiple hotspots, VIP access to exclusive after-party, unforgettable happy hours, no cover charges, and deals all night!
Whether you’re a local or just here to party, we’ve got the best NYE plans!
Tickets and more information here.
A concerned reader messaged me about some prominent closures along Culver Blvd. in Downtown Culver City. Chipotle, Sweet Lily, Shake Shack have vacated their respective locations. Janga by Derrick’s is also gone. Not sure what happened (except for Shake Shack, which you can read about here), but their disappearance leaves some gaping holes in a normally busy dining scene.
(Thaks Mitch!)
There’s plywood up on one of the sixth-floor spaces, next to Macy’s, in the beloved shopping paradise Beverly Center. Written in clear cursive is the name Crust & Crave. If you go to the Beverly Center website, there’s little description except for a picture of a sandwich. The website given links to a food court development. If you have more information, let me know…
It’s that time of year again… More info and tickets here.
It appears a new Australian bakeshop is making its first US appearance. There’s a notice up on the space that used to be the location for a short-lived GGET, at 2645 Main St. in Santa Monica, announcing the arrival of Bread + Butter. While I don’t have much information on this business, they do have three locations in Tasmania and their website confirms this location. What will be on offer? Exceptional “fresh pastries + sourdough bread every day” using 100% cultured butter. 
inally)Ever since I first told you about an exciting new Indian concept moving into the old Herringbone space at 1755 Ocean Ave Ste 103 in Santa Monica, I have been peppered with questions about an opening date. I have it on good authority that Fitoor will soft open with “limited seating” on Monday, December 9th. With another location in San Jose, Fitoor (Hindi for ‘Passion’) is the highly anticipated restaurant from the tech people behind San Fransisco’s buzzy Rooh. Read my original story here for more information.
Another new eatery is landing in the new shopping center that was formerly a bank on the corner of Wilshire and Berkeley in Santa Monica, the same shopping center (3032 Wilshire) that is home to Oakberry Acai and delightful Portuguese egg tart purveyor Paderia. Their new neighbor will be Palms n’ Patties. And what is that? Their menu appears to be straightforward burgers and fries.
Toddrickallen 