Very Thai Bringing Modern Thai To Century City Soon…

Something new is arriving to the second-floor location of the Westfield Century City Shopping Center, previously home to California Pizza Kitchen. Colorful plywood is announcing a Fall 2025 opening of Very Thai. I’m not able to locate any information on Very Thai, and even the usually up-to-date Westfield website doesn’t yet mention it, so if you have answers, please pass them on. According to the plywood, what we’re promised is, “A taste of the very best modern Thai cuisine perfected and cherished over 30 years by one of the world’s largest Thai culinary leaders.”

Update: A sharp-eyed reader (Thanks Karen!) spotted this: https://asamnews.com/2023/10/30/major-expansion-into-united-states-taiwan-restraurant-conglomerate/

Bru’s Wiffle And Flapjax Diner Collab in Santa Monica

As a public service announcement, I feel compelled to tell you the news about everyone’s favorite weekend brunch spot, Bru’s Wiffle, at 2408 Wilshire in Santa Monica. Frequently seen with lines out the door, Bru’s has decided to team up with another brunch power spot across the street, Flapjax Diner (same owners). According to a notice on the door, they will be operating at Flapjax Tuesday through Thursday from 8am to 2pm. Then on Friday through Sunday, they will be back at their original location from 8am to 3pm. Now you know…

(Thanks Debbie!)

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Will Close In Brentwood On…

To The Good People of Brentwood comes this unhappy news: I’ve confirmed that beloved local institution, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, at 11698 San Vicente Blvd, will permanently close this Sunday, March 23rd. While many disheartened fans have written to tell me this news, one reader (Thanks Steve!) reminded me that CBTL actually began in Brentwood, albeit not at this location. He also informed me that this address was previously home to the All American Burger featured in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. You have just a few hours left to drop by and grab one last oat milk latte… and contemplate the historic neighborhood loss.

Robeks Juice Coming To Westwood Village

A sharp-eyed reader (Thanks Barry!) noticed a banner hanging over the front of the space 10912 Le Conte Ave in Westwood Village. This address has been a revolving door for many businesses, most recently We Roll Nori. Now it appears that SoCal’s very own smoothie expert Robeks is going to give the tricky location a try.

More Details About Terratorry On Montana…

Since I first told you about the new eatery Terratorry that’s moving into the old Art’s Table space at 1002 Montana in Santa Monica, people have been clamoring for more information. A sharp-eyed reader (Thanks Debra!) spotted a note on the front of the build-out giving us some clues. The note explains that the Midwestern chef’s “ethos revolves around our local Farmers’ Markets” with a focus on heritage cooking using the best of the West Coast, and, well, you can read the entire statement below….

Bacio Di Latte Blessing Santa Monica Soon…

People go crazy for the luscious gelato at Bacio di Latte in The Westfield Century City Shopping Center, Brentwood, and other locations.  Now fans in Santa Monica won’t have to drive so far. Window paper is up on the corner space that was once the home of Jamba Juice, at 331 Santa Monica Blvd #A in Downtown Santa Monica, proclaiming the triumphant news that Bacio di Latte is moving in.  You’re welcome.

Dessert For A Good Cause At Boa, Sushi Roku, Katana

This from my inbox:

“This month, Los Angeles Innovative Dining Group restaurants BOA, Sushi Roku, and Katana are partnering with Children’s Hospital LA (CHLA) for the Make March Matter campaign. The goal of Make March Matter is to raise $1 million or more during the month of March, and this is the campaign’s 10th year. For every dessert from their menus sold this month, IDG is donating $2 to support CHLA!”

Awan Bringing Celebrated Vegan Ice Cream To Venice

Directly behind the incoming Dayglow coffee shop on the corner of Rose and Rennie in Venice, window paper indicates a new branch of Awan. While their website doesn’t reveal much, Awan appears to specialize in coconut-based ice creams in flavors like Balinese vanilla bean, blood orange, and black sesame cherry chocolate chip. They currently have two other locations, in West Hollywood and Larchmont, with another location coming to 843 N Spring St. in Chinatown. (Thanks Jason!)

Mr. Charlie’s Bringing Vegan Burgers To Santa Monica Soon…

It appears that Santa Monica/Brentwood are getting a new vegan burger joint. A sharp-eyed reader (Thanks Tony!) spotted a piece of paper on the door at 262 26th St. in Santa Monica, just across from the Brentwood Country Mart, most recently home to Tara’s Himalayan Cuisine. The name and signature frowning logo appear to let us know that philanthropic plant-based burger brand Mr. Charlie’s is setting up housekeeping at the address. Mr. Charlie’s, with its yellow and red signage, is apparently a TikTok sensation with locations in LA, San Francisco, and Sydney, and has been described as a “vegan McDonald’s“.