It’s been over a year since signs first went up, but after a few private test runs over the weekend, soon-to-be neighborhood fave Truxton’s American Bistro officially opens today on the corner of 14th and Santa Monica Blvd. in Santa Monica. Read more at: Truxton’s.
Have you secretly been wondering why Truxton’s American Bistro chose that utterly charmless corner for their sleek new Santa Monica branch? It appears that gentrification may be turning the humble corner of 14th and Santa Monica Blvd. into something of a destination. Directly behind Truxton’s at 1348 14th used to house local hangout Central Club. Soon however, it will be undergoing an extensive renovation and emerge as The Arden Liquor Parlour as evidenced by the “Design Review” notice pasted on the side. Not much information out there about The Arden, but as always I’ll keep my eye on this one for you…
Having taken over the cavernous space that used to house short-lived Xino at the top of Santa Monica Place, Redwood Grille is finally open after a slight delay. The “classic American cuisine” restaurant features a front that opens to the mall, bar, loads of seating, and an inherited patio with one of the prettiest views in Santa Monica. Check out their menu here. Read more here: redwoodgrille.com.
You may recall back in March 2013, I told you about the battle for the street corner at 11th and Wilshire in Santa Monica that you can re-read here. After 25 years, Farrah’s Florist was being pushed out by their landlord to make room for a glitzy remodel and eventual Starbucks. But Farrah’s, supported by local patrons who believe that Santa Monica is changing a little too quickly, fought back. They mounted a petition drive to hang on to the choice spot across from Melisse and El Cholo. Well, sadly for Farrah’s, their petition drive was not successful. They have been forced out and are currently moving into their new spot further up at 2006 Wilshire. So, it looks like Starbucks wins and will be taking over the corner soon. I’m told construction will begin in September. Until then, check out the artist rendering below of what the new coffee shop will eventually look like.
Fans of history might be interested in mozzarella specialist Obiká’s special event this Tuesday, July 16th at 7:30 in their Century City location. In the 18th Century, a man named Phillip Mazzei from Tuscany in Italy brought to New England a cargo of sangiovese grape vines destined for the vineyard at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate. Eventually a friendship formed between the two and Mazzei apparently heavily influenced Jefferson’s ideas on equality and rights. Today, Mazzei Wineries is still going strong and the current CEO and descendent of Phillip, Francesco Mazzei will be present at the event honoring his illustrious ancestor and showcasing the family wines. The four course dinner costs $48 and includes wine, but you’d better secure your spot as fast as your little fingers can dial (310) 556-2452. obika.com
In more pizza news, local fixture Dagwoods Pizza is now closed at 202 Main St. in Venice. No official news yet, but I’m hearing whispers that the new inhabitant will be a pizza restaurant as well.
With three locations in the Valley, “craft your own” pizza chain PizzaRev is expanding south. Signs went up recently announcing construction on its upcoming branch in the Gateway El Segundo shopping center at 460 Sepulveda in El Segundo. Look for two more locations, Burbank and Oxnard, to be opening soon as well. pizzarev
Remember Fenjune? The specialty tea shop that was going into the space at 1601 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica has been under construction since 2011. Let’s just say the City of Santa Monica has not made it easy for local businessman Josh Pourgal to open the place and it has languished in half-finished limbo. Well construction is back on and it looks like Pourgal has changed plans. Instead of Fenjune, the new shop will be an outpost of organic coffee purveyor Groundwork opening (hopefully) in a few weeks I’m told. Until then, read more at: Groundwork.
Is it the feng shui or what? The space at 368 N. Camden in Beverly Hills has seen a great deal of turnover and now it appears to have lost its latest inhabitant. After opening in February 2012, salad and sandwich restaurant Choppe Choppe is now closed. No word on a replacement yet.
I’m often surprised about how much interest there is in the opening of a fast food restaurant. Those of you who’ve been closely watching its (slow) progress should be cheered by the news that after a ridiculously long time under construction, the latest branch of burrito chain Chipotle is now open in the food court of the Century City Shopping Center. Chipotle
Salut! This year on Bastille Day, Sunday July 14th, Bouchon Bistro in Beverly Hills is hosting a bash in honor of France’s Fête Nationale. From 11am until 9pm, they will be celebrating with an outdoor grill, traditional fare, wine and cocktails, music and entertainment, and the film “Moulin Rouge”. Read more and make a reservation here.
Few restaurants in LA are as prestigious as iconic Mélisse. And, they’ve been carrying the baton of Haute French for a full 14 years now. To celebrate, Mélisse is offering a special 5 course “Dine Mélisse” tasting menu during special dates over two weeks: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday July 16-19, and Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday July 23-26. Cost is $75. Reserve your table by calling (310) 395-0881 and be sure to specify “Dine Mélisse”. melisse.com
Going into the colossal and still-developing Playa del Oro complex on the corner of Manchester and Lincoln in Westchester is a new eatery, Roxy’s Cafe at 8601 Lincoln Blvd. According to the poem posted in the window, looks like construction has been delayed somewhat but they’re looking for a late June opening. Until then, you can check out what appears to be a tentative menu here.
To celebrate 30 years of undisputable contribution to LA’s food scene, Chaya Brasserie Beverly Hills is throwing a celebratory party they’re calling The Chaya Summer Festival on July 28th from 5pm to 10pm at their location at 8741 Alden Dr. in LA. They’ve pulled out all the stops with unlimited food and drink, games, and entertainment such as: “Fire Dancers, LIVE DJ, Taiko drummers, TWO LIVE bands, a tarot card reader, magician, photo booth, glitter tattoo artists“. Cost is $55 if you pre-order or $65 at the door. You may want to move quickly on this one… get your tickets and read more here.
We knew it was coming, just not where… until now. East coast purveyors of “ice custard happiness” Rita’s has finally landed its locale in Santa Monica. With locations peppered throughout California and the US, their latest will be located at 2307 Main Street, interestingly positioned equidistant between Rawvolution and Urth Caffé. (Hopefully) look for a late July opening. Read more at: ritas.
Ultra-popular Neapolitan pizza chain 800 Degrees is making headway on its Santa Monica location. Signs recently went up in the windows of 120 Wilshire Blvd. (corner of 2nd, across from Hillstone’s) announcing applications for beer and wine at the upcoming 116 seat restaurant. If the Westwood original is any indication, this corner, just steps from the famously phallic statue of Saint Monica, is about to become a very busy intersection indeed. 800degreespizza.com
Just in time for summer, rapidly expanding vegan chain Veggie Grill has rolled out some new additions to their repertoire. Included on the new menu: Baja “Fish” Tacos, Veggie-Steak Tacos, Chickin’ Tacos, and a Savory Kale Caesar. Read more at: veggiegrill.com.
After what seemed to be a long time coming, Taberna Arros y Vi will officially open today (Wednesday, June 12th) at 5:00pm in the old Tudor House space at 1403 2nd St. in Santa Monica. Brought to you by restaurateur Michael Cardenas (Lazy Ox Canteen), the brand-spanking new venture is billing itself, according to the Facebook page, as a Spanish tapas bar and restaurant. Read more at: tabernala.com.
This Tuesday, June 11th, Obikà in the Westfield Century City Shopping Center is throwing a shindig to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma. The Emilia Street Festa, as they are calling the event, kicks off at 7pm on the patio and $40 gets you, “Unlimited tastings of differently aged Prosciutto di Parma, fresh focaccina, house-made grissini and artisanal breads, Grana Padano, Parmigiano Reggiano, Extra-virgin Olive Oil, Balsamico di Modena, and specialties from the kitchen [such] as lasagne, piadine, tortellini and sweet gnocco fritto.” There will also be tastings of Lambrusco, Malvasia and Colli Piacentini from Ceci and Castello di Luzzano wineries. How’s that for a deal? To secure a reservation, call 310-556-2452 just as fast as your little fingers can dial. obika.com
Gluten-free is white-hot now. It seems that every other person these days is passing up the bread plate, supermarkets have gluten-free sections, and there is hardly a restaurant that doesn’t have at least a few items to choose from. Now’s your opportunity to learn from a master. The reigning queen of GF who seems to be everywhere right now is Kristine Kidd, noted cookbook author, culinary expert, and food editor of Bon Appétit magazine for 20 years. This Sunday, June 9th she will be at the Topanga Library at 122 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. from 4 to 6 p.m signing copies of her latest, Weeknight Gluten Free: Simple, Healthy Meals For Every Night Of The Week. There will also be a discussion and treats. Read more about the event here or check out Kristine’s website here.
Toddrickallen 