Nyesha Arrington’s Native Opens Tuesday In Santa Monica

Posted on November 13, 2017 by toddrickallen

It was back in June when I first noticed an ABC application on the front of the erstwhile Santa Monica Yacht Club at 820 Santa Monica Blvd. While the app didn’t give us many clues as to the name of the new restaurant (it listed the name as Santa Monica Yacht Club), it did inform us that Top Chef and former Leona chef Nyesha Arrington was going to be in the kitchen. Since then, I’ve been watching carefully and can now report that the new restaurant’s name is Native. They opened for friends and family over the weekend, but Native will officially throw open its doors on Tuesday, November 14, at which time they will begin accepting reservations. Look for a California inspired menu with such things as chestnut capellini with forest mushrooms, snow peas, and buratta; honey mustard black cod with cauliflower apple puree and mizuna; and rabbit sugo with semolina spatzle, pickled green tomato, and sauce diable.

What’s Going On At Moo Greek Yogurt In Brentwood?

Posted on November 10, 2017 by toddrickallen

Moo Greek Yogurt burst onto the scene back in July of 2016, riding a popular yogurt mini-wave. Things seem to have slowed a bit, and Moo has been closed down for a while in their location at 11753 San Vicente Blvd. in Brentwood. Since then, I’ve been watching to see what develops. Their Yelp page promises a return in 2018, and their website doesn’t offer many clues, but the place is essentially gutted. I’ll keep my eye on things, but it doesn’t look good…

The Harvest Bar Now Open In Westchester

Posted on November 9, 2017 by toddrickallen

With one other location in Sherman Oaks, self-described superfood café The Harvest Bar is now up and delivering the goods in their new location at 8601 Lincoln Blvd. in Westchester. Look for a menu of smoothies, bowls, and breakfasts comprised of a variety of fruits, proteins, and acai. Check out more and read their menu here.

Shelby’s Sugar Shop Bringing Confectionary Treats To Malibu

Posted on November 7, 2017 by toddrickallen

I recently came across plywood covering a space in the Malibu Lumber Yard announcing that something called Shelby’s Sugar Shop was moving in. As it turns out, SSS is the brainchild of Washington Prime Group Inc., and is part of an overall plan to breathe life into struggling retail shopping malls, at least according to Bloomberg. It looks like other locations are opening across America, but this will be the LA area’s first and very own.

Shelby's.jpg

The Latest On The Westfield Century City…

Posted on November 3, 2017 by toddrickallen

Like many of you, I too have been captivated by the glamorous transformation of the Westfield Century City Shopping Center… (As you probably know, the much-anticipated Eataly opens today.) From time to time, I’ve been posting photo essays of the developments. I hadn’t been in for a while, so I recently dropped by for a gander. Here is the latest round of new eateries…

Waxman's.jpg

Carlo’s Bake Shop Opens In Downtown Santa Monica

Posted on November 1, 2017 by toddrickallen

And while we’re on the subject of openings… It was back in March when I discovered that Carlo’s Bake Shop, of Cake Boss fame, was opening a branch at 1354 3rd St. Promenade in Downtown Santa Monica. So, for all you who have been eagerly awaiting a chance to get your hands on their confectionary creations, it is my pleasure to tell you that Carlo’s Bake Shop threw open their doors on Monday. Again, you’re welcome.

Voltaggio STRFSH Now Open In Santa Monica

Posted on October 31, 2017 by toddrickallen

Ever since I first told you about the new project from the Voltaggio Brothers, that was coming to The Gallery at 1315 3rd Street Promenade, a great many of you have been anxiously checking for details. (Eater filled in the gaps.) Well… cue the stampede: Voltaggio STRFSH is now open as of two days ago. Currently, they are only open for lunch, but they plan on dinner service soon. The concept? You start with a choice of swordfish or salmon. Then choose a rub, a smear, and toppings before it all lands on a toasted potato roll. Or pick one of their already designed sandwiches. An ABC license is posted, so libations are on the way. You’re welcome.

Enso Tea/Acai Replaces Bowl of Heaven In Santa Monica

Posted on October 27, 2017 by toddrickallen

About two years ago I told you about the impending arrival of Bowl of Heaven to the space at 725 Broadway. Sadly, they have vacated the yoga-centric community. But lament not, good people of Santa Monica! You can get your bowl fix at BoH‘s replacement, Enso Tea/Acai, which has another location in Las Vegas.

Boca De Agua Bringing Icy Treats To Abbot Kinney

Posted on October 26, 2017 by toddrickallen

I recently noticed that a new frozen treat store is landing at 1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice. Self-described ice cream shop Boca De Agua is looking to open on the über-hip high street. Apparently, they had hoped to open as of last month, but it looks like they’re running a bit behind…

The Boy & The Bear Coffee Roastery Expanding North To Culver City…

Posted on October 24, 2017 by toddrickallen

Signs are up in the window of a space at 12714 W. Washington Blvd., smack on the corner of that crazy intersection where Washington Blvd. meets Washington Pl. in Culver City, announcing that new java spot is moving in. This will a second location of Redondo Beach’s hip The Boy & The Bear Coffee Roastery. Not sure when the caffeine will start flowing, but I’ll keep watching…

Fresh Bowls Arriving On Main St. In SM…

Posted on October 20, 2017 by toddrickallen

The windows on the space at 2715 Main St. in Santa Monica, formerly the home of the erstwhile lobster specialists Knuckle & Claw, is preparing to have a new tenant. A small notice taped to the front door references something called Fresh Bowls. An online search reveals that there are a number of unrelated restaurants across the US and a small chain in Canada utilizing that name, so I don’t have any conclusive evidence as to what exactly will be moving in, or even if that will be the name of the new restaurant. As always, I’ll keep watching…

Pho Hue Oi Vietnamese Kitchen Expands Into Redondo Beach

Posted on October 19, 2017 by toddrickallen

Vietnamese food seems to be expanding its presence in this neck of the woods… An extensive remodel of the space at 4501 Inglewood Ave. #101 in Redondo Beach is making way for a branch of Pho Hue Oi Vietnamese Kitchen. With one extensively lauded restaurant in Fountain Valley, this is their first foray into LA county. Look for a menu of authentic Hue dishes as well as other popular favorites such as pho.

St. Supéry Tasting Salon Throws Open Its Doors On Rodeo

Posted on October 17, 2017 by toddrickallen

Since I first told you about the mysterious ABC application pasted to the front of the old Lladró space at 408 N. Rodeo Dr. in Beverly Hills, a great many of you have been checking for updates. I can now report that Napa Valley’s St. Supéry Tasting Salon officially opened over the weekend. Expect white and red wine tasting flights, glasses of wine, and bottles from St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery served in a “modern French parlor complimented by Napa Valley chic”. The tasting salon will remain open until August of next year.

Burgerim Opening Soon In MDR… And Just About Everywhere

Posted on October 13, 2017 by toddrickallen

Step aside Tocaya Organica, another restaurant chain is seriously vying for world domination. I recently came across paper covering the long vacant space at 4020C Lincoln Blvd. in Marina Del Rey announcing that a branch of Burgerim will be moving in. Looking to build thousands of outlets across the globe, you can expect to see a great deal more of this ambitious Israeli chain. Check out this link on their website and marvel at the stunning list of locations that are “coming soon”. To my count, an astonishing 42 stores will be opening in California, and just about as many in both Texas and Florida as well! Apparently, Burgerim‘s concept is about building customized 2.8 oz. burgers utilizing a choice of “3 buns, 6 sauces, 11 patties, and 9 unconventional toppings”. The diminutive burgers are sold in quantities of uno, duo, trio, or 16 party box, and consuming more than one is encouraged.

Tocaya Organica Marches Toward World Domination

Posted on October 12, 2017 by toddrickallen

Signs recently went up on a space in The Point, on the corner of Rosecrans and Sepulveda in El Segundo, announcing that a branch of “modern organic Mexican” chain Tocaya Organica is continuing its unrelenting expansion. Not sure of an opening date yet. According to their website, they’re also opening locations soon in Westwood, Century City, Hollywood, San Diego, Scottsdale, and Chicago.

Flaming Pot Firing Up On Sawtelle

Posted on October 10, 2017 by toddrickallen

Paper covering the window of the space at 2222 Sawtelle Blvd. (corner of Olympic) is announcing that something called Flaming Pot is moving in. Not much information out there on the new Asian eatery, or at least I can’t seem to find it. I’ll keep watching as more develops…

What’s Going On At B.H. Poke In Beverly Hills?

Posted on October 6, 2017 by toddrickallen

Recently, I noticed a hastily written note posted on the front door of fledgling B.H. Poke at 9527 Santa Monica Blvd. in Beverly Hills, situated in a block that has seen a great deal of turn over recently. As you can see, the note states that they are “taking a little break” due to “unforeseen circumstances”. According to a photo on Yelp, the note has been up since early last month. It looks like no one has set foot in the shop for quite a while. I tried to call and inquire, but their phone line no longer works. So, I can’t confirm if they’re planning on reopening or not, but things don’t look good.

PHPoke2 BHPoke3

Bibibop Now Open In Santa Monica

Posted on October 5, 2017 by toddrickallen

It wasn’t that long ago that I told you about the intention of Korean food chain Bibibop to take over erstwhile locations of Southeast Asian eatery ShopHouse. The Santa Monica branch of Bibibop Asian Grill, at 1401 Third St. Promenade, is now officially up and running. The concept is similar to ShopHouse‘s, where you build your bowl out of rice, noodles, or greens and then add a choice of protein, sauce, and various hot and cold toppings.

Bibibop

Gelato-Go Bringing “The Best Gelato In Miami” To Santa Monica, Beverly Hills

Posted on October 3, 2017 by toddrickallen

Well that didn’t take long… It was only a couple of weeks ago that I told you about the sad disappearance of Santa Monica’s beloved gelato shop DiDio’s at 1305 Montana Ave. Wasting no time in trying to fill the icy treat void, a new tenant is quickly moving into the spot. A notice on the window informs us that Gelato-Go is on its way. Billing itself as “the best gelato in Miami”, the new contender is looking to make inroads into Los Angeles. According to the now hiring sign, they are also opening a second location at 252 S. Beverly Dr. in Beverly Hills.

Sweetgreen Expands Into MDR

Posted on September 29, 2017 by toddrickallen

It looks like expanding “simple, seasonal, healthy” chain Sweetgreen is bringing its community building message to the grateful people of Marina Del Rey. Plywood is up around a space in the Waterside shopping center at 4700 Admiralty announcing the good news. Not sure when they’ll open, but I’ll keep watching…

Toddrickallen

The Westside at Its Finest

Author Archives: toddrickallen