Readers have been letting me know that The Drake on Sunset is moving into the old Hudson House address at 9255 W Sunset Blvd #100 in West Hollywood. This will be a new location of The Drake Laguna Beach and is expected to open in Winter of 2025. Until then, get the full skinny on the new self-described “New York style supper-club” at What Now Los Angeles.
(Thanks Les & others!)
Breezy Italian charm is coming to 252B S Beverly Dr. in Beverly Hills. With one location in Venice Beach, Castanea Sicilian Cafe appears to be opening a second location at this address. According to the website, “castanea” means chestnut, and the cafe is named after a famous chestnut tree on Mount Etna. Castanea Sicilian Cafe is passionate about “authentic Sicilian flavors and coffee culture”. They are opening another location in Hollywood as well.
A new frozen treat shop is opening at 9163 West Sunset in West Hollywood. Hall Pass has a new storefront and looks very close to opening. They are promising “nostalgic flavors, premium ingredients”.
For five long years, people have been demanding answers about what would take over the old Ingo’s Tasty Diner space at 1215 Wilshire Blvd. I’ve occasionally given updates as they became available, but due to various obstacles, the new restaurant took a frustratingly long time to open. So, to all those people who’ve been waiting comes this happy news: Diner Antonette officially threw open their doors on Tuesday (June 17). In addition to the eatery, which is still an LGO Hospitality Group brand, there is now a retail “La Grande Orange Grocery” (wine, gifts, books) in the old Vienna Bakery location next door. The menu has some of the old Ingo’s classics like crispy brussel sprouts and mezze spreads, and there are new items like Bombay crispy chicken, and dungeness crab & lobster with handmade pasta. They are currently open from 4pm to 10:30pm. You’re welcome.
Carbs are back with a bang. The evidence? The lines at new bagel shops are out the door on most days. Riding the wave, reliable Sam’s Bagels is opening a new Beverly Hills location at 191 S Beverly Dr.
It appears that LA’s preeminent pie shop is expanding from its original Pico-Robertson location to Palms. There’s window paper up on a space in the new Arya mixed-use complex at 10700 Tabor (corner of Overland) announcing the arrival of the much-lauded Pizzeria Sei. With a rare Michelin nod that describes it as possessing a “Japan-meets-Italy flair”, Pizzeria Sei has become legendary for its inventive and classic pies, and chewy crusts.
It appears that Italian gelato is continuing its inexorable conquest of The Westside. Here is the location of the new Beverly Hills branch of Italian-born brand Bacio di Latte, at 425 N Canon Dr. Bacio di Latte is currently in a major expansion with locations either currently open or upcoming in Century City, Brentwood, Larchmont Village, Sawtelle, Calabasas, Studio City, Santa Monica, and Topanga. Because why should anyone have to drive more than a few blocks for luscious, creamy, artisanal gelato?
It was back in October of 2022 when I told you that national plant-based chain Planta was opening a gorgeous location in the old Pizzicotto and Kreation spaces at 11758 and 11754 San Vicente Blvd. in Brentwood. Sadly, it appears that Planta has pulled up stakes at the address. A gracious note on the door doesn’t give a reason, and it directs fans of plant-based to Planta Cocina in The Marina. I’ll keep an eye on the space to see what may develop.
A reader found out more information here.
Toddrickallen 