In further icy treat news… Yogurtland, the aforementioned self-serve frozen yogurt shop is now open in the space left by Lucky Brand at 1426 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica. yogurt-land.com
Yogurtland Now Open On Montana Ave.
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Author Archives: toddrickallen
Cherry On Top Yogurt Coming Soon To Culver City
Construction is underway on what will soon be the Culver City location of self-serve frozen yogurt chain Cherry On Top. With locations throughout the US and LA, their newest store is on the corner of Centinela and Washington Place. Read more at: cherryontop.net.
Il Sogno Now Open On Montana Ave. In Santa Monica
A new adorable, homey little Italian eatery (that I’m told is a rebranding of their previous SM restaurant) has taken over the cozy courtyard space that was once Cafe Dana at 1211#C Montana Ave. in Santa Monica. Il Sogno Italian Backyard Grill is now open Monday through Saturday 9am to 6pm and Sunday 9am until 4pm. Look for a menu of pastas, salads, stone-grilled piadina and ciabatta, or eggs to which you subsequently add a selection of grilled items, vegetables, cheeses, and dressings. Website still under construction, but you can call (310) 587-3520 for more information. ilsognogrill.com
Bouchon Bistro’s Julia Child Week
This week at Bouchon Bistro in Beverly Hills, they’re celebrating the 100th birthday of legendary Julia Child (a personal idol of mine whom I was fortunate to have met once) with a special menu inspired by Julia’s cookbooks. Included on the menu will be such things as Salade Niçoise, Provençal Soup, Tarte au Fraises (strawberry tart), and other items either ordered À la carte or as a full menu for $59.95 for three courses. The special menu is featured August 7th through August 15th. Call (310) 271-9910 for reservations. bouchonbistro.com
La Salsa Closed In The Third Street Promenade
Having long anchored one of the busiest corners on the Promenade, the Santa Monica branch of the Mexican chain La Salsa has closed its doors on the corner of Third St. and Santa Monica Blvd. No word on a replacement yet…
The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Company Coming To Westchester
The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. is opening soon at 8732A Sepulveda Blvd. in Westchester. The company uses a special filtration system to replicate water from Brooklyn that they believe has the preternatural power to elevate the average bagel into a New York masterpiece. With locations in Beverly Hills, Mid-City LA, around the country, and expanding fast, the OBWBC counts Larry King as an investor and spokesperson. Read more here: brooklynwaterbagels.com.
Spazio Caffè Coming Soon To Montana Ave.
More competition to the Montana Ave. coffee scene: Renovations are underway on the old White Lilac space at 1511A Montana Ave. in Santa Monica to make room for the West Coast premier of a coffee shop by Italian specialty coffee brand Manuel, Spazio Caffè. Based in San Vendemiano, Italy and with locations throughout the world and one US location on the East Coast, the artisan coffee purveyor will also likely offer its line of selective teas, chocolate, baked goods, and merchandise. No word on an opening date yet, but as always, I’ll keep you posted… Read more at: manuel.it/en/spaziocaffe.
Fresh Brothers Pizza Coming To Brentwood
With locations throughout Southern California, it looks like the latest installment in the expanding Chicago-style pizza chain Fresh Brothers is going into the old Freshii space at 11740 San Vicente Blvd. in Brentwood. I hear they’re shooting for an August opening. Read more at freshbrothers.com.
Melisse’s Australian Black Truffle Tasting…
Alas, we find ourselves woefully between truffle seasons. But those desperate for the fabulous fungus can rejoice: Melisse in Santa Monica has procured a stash of Australian black truffles (fully in season) and is offering an 8 course truffle tasting menu for $345. But they are also offering their signature dishes à la carte as well including: Fresh Tagliatelle (grated black truffles, parmesan brown butter truffle froth), Truffle Risotto (carnaroli rice, mascarpone, shaved black Australian truffles), Sweet White Corn Ravioli (brown butter truffle sauce, shaved black Australian truffles), or the classic Truffle Egg with toasted brioche. melisse.com.
Johnny Rockets Coming To Santa Monica Place
In further mall news… It looks like the latest contender to step into the boxing ring that is the Santa Monica Place food scene is going to be… (drumroll) Johnny Rockets. With locations throughout the US and So Cal, the retro burger chain has begun construction on a never-occupied stall in the food court. Best of Luck! Until the final bell, you can check out their menu and more here: johnnyrockets.com.
Joe’s Pizza, Fatburger Coming To Century City Shopping Center
More changes in Century City: Construction is underway in the Westfield Century City Shopping Center food court on the latest restaurant in the expanding Joe’s Pizza chain. And as you can see in the photo, Fatburger is moving in right next door in the space vacated by Fuddruckers.
Native Food’s Drunken Tofu Banh Mi This Weekend Only
Native Foods is offering a special meal deal this weekend only: Drunken Tofu Banh Mi consisting of crispy tofu marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce on a grilled baguette with pickled daikon, carrots, basil, and cilantro, served with a side of kimchi slaw, all for $9.95. Find a location and read more at: nativefoods.com.
Organic Farm Coming To West LA
I noticed this bright, sunny new storefront at 12211 Wilshire Blvd. in West LA (next door to Bar Food, and Amandine Cafe) promising a new venture, Organic Farm is moving into the space. I couldn’t get much more information other than what’s posted in the window stating that they offer the finest organic products: snacks, juices, and other items that are “earth grown, 100% natural”. You will, however, notice the little green cross and references to two medical marijuana bills in small print at the bottom of the paper. Hmmm… Look for a Summer 2012 opening.
It’s Official… Tudor House To Close July 22nd
As I reported earlier (toddrickallen.com/tudor-house), after 50 years, Anglophile institution Tudor House, the store, restaurant, tearoom, and bakery at 1403 Second Street in Santa Monica is to close. According to the paper posted on the window, it looks like they now have an official date, Sunday July 22nd. To commemorate the sad news, they will be giving out complimentary glasses of champagne to all customers who come in on Saturday or Sunday of their last weekend to wish them goodbye. Read their farewell letter here: thetudorhouse.com. I was told by an employee that a new “Spanish” restaurant will be taking over the space. I’ll keep you posted…
Update: EaterLA is reporting that the restaurant moving into the Tudor House space will be a paella and tapas venture by Lazy Ox restaurateur Michael Cardenas. The new restaurant is to be named Taberna Arros y Vi. Read more at: la.eater.com.
La Focacceria Tra Di Noi Now Closed In the Evenings For Renovations
Some restaurants can go a gazillion years before attempting a renovation (think Spago), but not plucky little La Focacceria Tra Di Noi at 362 N. Camden in Beverly Hills, that only just opened in May of last year. As you can see from the notice posted in the window, as of this week, they are closed for dinner as they undergo a re-do. According to the sign, they will still be open for lunch. To get invited to the grand re-opening, email them at Lafocatradinoibh@gmail.com.
Westside Tavern’s Bonny Doon Wine Event
Westside Tavern, in the Westside Pavillion, is hosting a special event with Randall Grahm, the “winemaker and philosopher king” of Bonny Doon vineyard on Thursday, July 12th at 7:00pm. The special five course Chef’s dinner will be paired with, you guessed it, various Bonny Doon wines. For more information, contact Lori Theis at (310) 470-1539 or events@westsidetavernla.com.
Free Dessert At Native Foods…
Today and tomorrow (Tuesday and Wednesday), when you buy an entrée, side, and drink at Native Foods, you will get a free dessert, the orange creamsicle cupcake. Plus a portion of the profits from these two days goes to various charities. Find a location (including the brand-spanking new Santa Monica Native Foods) and read more at: nativefoods.com.
La Gourmandise’s Petite Pantry Opens This Week In Santa Monica Place
The culinary school in The Market atop Santa Monica Place, La Gourmandise School, will open its offshoot, Petite Pantry this week in the old space where Aurelie’s Cookies was, next door to the school. They will be offering various baking supplies such as chocolates, specialty flours, and spices. And if you miss Aurelie’s Cookies, they will be available on the weekends.
Ta Ta For Now, Spago…
Say what you will about Spago in Beverly Hills, but in terms of quantifiable memories, it tops my list of LA restaurants. Spago closes for a much-needed and anticipated re-do on Sunday and won’t re-appear until mid September. Here’s what I’ve been able to glean from friends who work there: The beloved patio stays, but the fountain is out and will be replaced with a fireplace. The booth in the first photo is going and in its stead will be a champagne cellar and a wine cellar. The menu will be updated and changed as will the entire kitchen, but many of the staff will be returning. And bye-bye salmon pizza. We eagerly look forward to the unveiling and until then, here a few memories…
Seasons 52 Tracker, Century City
Here’s a glimpse at the progress inside the new Seasons 52 moving into the old Houston’s space in the Westfield Century City Shopping Center. As you can see, they’ve got a way to go before their projected Autumn opening. Until then, read more at: seasons52.com.
Toddrickallen 