Author Archives: toddrickallen

Tower 8, Oceana Beach Club Hotel’s Restaurant Now Open, Menu By Josiah Citrin

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A few months ago, I told you about the renovation of Hideaway at the Oceana, the restaurant at the charming and seductive Oceana Beach Club Hotel nestled in a quiet neighborhood at 849 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica.  While keeping the spectacular views of Palisades Park and the ocean beyond, the plucky little restaurant has replaced its beach club feel with a swanky new look, a new menu, and a new name.  Tower 8 (named after the corresponding lifeguard tower on the beach) is now open with a look that is being described as “70s chic” by staff.  But here’s the biggest surprise: The menu is designed by Josiah Citrin, yes the Josiah Citrin of Mélisse.   The new “California-Coastal” menu features snacks, small plates, plates, sandwiches and panini, salads, and “garnishes” which appear to be side orders such as roasted squash with trumpet mushrooms, pomegranate, rosemary and gigande beans with barley, mushrooms, cippolini onions, roasted grapes. So let’s see… a hip new vibe, breathtaking views, and a menu by Josiah Citrin?  I don’t think Tower 8 is going to be a secret for long.  Read more at: oceanabeachclubhotel.

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Wendy’s Now Open In Santa Monica

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Maybe it’s because of the rapidly changing neighborhood, or maybe because when we first saw the construction, there was a glimmer of hope that something exciting would be replacing the decrepid Arby’s at 1340 Lincoln Blvd. in Santa Monica, but for whatever reason there seemed to be a lot of interest in the new branch of national burger chain Wendy’s that was being built.  Well, for those closely following the story comes this thrilling development: Wendy’s is now officially open in Santa Monica.

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Whole Foods’ CEO John Mackey In Pasadena

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Regardless what you think about his political views, Co-CEO of Whole Foods, John Mackey has had a powerful influence on the way we eat.  Passionate about organic food, philanthropy, and animal welfare, he took a small vegetarian market he started in 1978 and built it into an empire spanning two continents.  Well now’s your chance to hear his ideas on free market economics personally.  On Thursday January 24th, he will be signing copies of his new book Conscious Capitalism at the Pasadena Whole Foods at 465 S. Arroyo Parkway from 4pm until 6pm.

Update:  The kind people managing this event asked me to pass on that the book signing is actually from 4pm until 5pm and a portion of the sales from the book will go to a good cause:  Whole Foods Market’s Arroyo store has pledged to donate $1 to Whole Planet Foundation for every book sold.  Read more about their work here: wholeplanetfoundation.

 

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M Café Wants You To Renew, Recharge, And Reset Your Life

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Feeling like you overdid it during the holidays?  Need a jump-start to 2013?  M Café has the solution…  Along with certified holistic nutritionist Alissa Goodman, they have created a signature 5 day macro cleanse intended to “Renew, Recharge, and Reset” your body, mind, and metabolism, and who doesn’t need that right about now?  Check out a sample menu here: RESETMENU and read more here: mcafedechaya.

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A Peak Inside Malibu’s Mr. Chow, Opening December 31st

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With a reputation built on exclusivity and elegance, Mr. Chow in Beverly Hills (as well as other select cities) has long been the glamorous destination of choice for celebrities and the Industry set craving its signature brand of “Beijing High Cuisine” for almost 40 years.  So it only seems natural that they would open a second California location in Malibu.   Mr. Chow Malibu officially opens its doors New Year’s Eve.  Inhabiting the old Nobu space in at 3835 Cross Creek Rd., #18A the new Mr. Chow will carry the same menu as its BH sister, but is aiming at a neighborhood bar feel.  On New Year’s Eve they will be hosting two seatings, (one at 6:00pm and another at 9:00pm) after which they will be closed New Year’s Day, then open for dinner service only (lunch coming soon) on the 2nd of January.  Until then, here’s a glimpse at the interior, which has a very classic Mr. Chow feel.  They are currently taking reservations: Get yours by calling (310) 456-7600 just as fast as your little fingers can dial…  mrchow.comphoto-13

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Nespresso Boutique Coming Soon To Beverly Hills

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There is a plethora of coffee-capsule machines out there, but few companies have worked as hard as Nestlé subsidiary Nespresso in developing cult-status style.  Their machines are sold in the choicest locations (not Bed, Bath, and Beyond), and their coffee is available only online after you join the ‘club’, or in their boutique in Bloomingdale’s.  Their only U.S. free-standing boutique is on New York’s Upper East Side… until now.  I’ve long heard rumors of a boutique opening in LA and lo and behold, as I was walking down Beverly in Beverly Hills on Wednesday, I noticed the workers applying the sign to the storefront at 320 Beverly Drive announcing the upcoming Nespresso Boutique.  Unlike the tiny space in Bloomingdale’s, if it is like the NY store (and I’m told it will be), this will be a café with a light menu of pastries, salads, and sandwiches, but the real star of the show will be a sexy showroom to highlight the snazzy machines and designed to get you hooked on their brand of über-cool “grand cru” coffee.  No word on an opening date, but I’ll keep you posted… nespresso.com

Update:  Looks like they’re projecting a September 2013 opening…

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Update:  Nespresso Boutique and Café opened on October 16th, 2013.

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Nekter Juice Bar Now Open In Santa Monica

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I don’t know what offering they made to the Gods of Santa Monica Permits, but I know a few restaurateurs who’d love to get their hands on the invocation…  Defying the famous SM red tape, it looks like Nekter Juice Bar opened on Monday (December 17th) with only a minor delay after a November projected opening.  With locations throughout OC, their newest resides at 1422C 2nd St. in Downtown Santa Monica and offers a menu of fresh, healthy, raw juices, smoothies, and açaí bowls.  Read more at: nekterjuicebar.com.

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Marina Marketplace’s Restaurant Line-Up

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Banners on the fencing surrounding the renovation of the Marina Marketplace at 13450 Maxella Avenue in Marina Del Rey announce that the following restaurants will be going into the development: Le Pain Quotidien, Yardhouse, and Tender Greens.  The new AMC Dine-in Theater is now open.  All others are projecting a Spring 2013 opening.

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Bouchon Bakery’s Holiday Fare

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Can’t live without a traditional Bûche de Noël this Christmas?  Looking to send a real fruitcake?  Desperately in need of Star of David cookies?  Look no further than Bouchon Bakery in Beverly Hills, who recently began churning out holiday cakes, cookies, and pastries just in time for the Holiday party season. And because they’re from Bouchon Bakery, you know they’ll  elicit squeals of delight from guests…  Check out their entire list here: BouchonBakery.

 

Street’s New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery Dinner

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You do realize that New Year’s Eve is less than a month away, right?  So it’s not too early to begin planning.  Susan Feniger’s Street is hosting a special event titled Getting Eve’n: A New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery Dinner.  Billed as an evening of FLAVOR, FRIENDS, AND FOUL PLAY, you can enjoy a special menu as you get clues and try to figure out who dunnit.  Included on the menu, will be intriguing dishes such as Shot in Cairo, Drowned in Mumbai (shot of Egyptian dukkah spice and warm housemade paneer in ‘drowned’ naan), and Snakepit Poisoning (viper chile and ginseng laced mandarin oranges).  Seating is all evening long, cost is $65 per person and guaranteed to sell out so dial 323-203-0500 just as fast as your fingers can dial to score your reservation if you feel up for the challenge.  Read more at: eatatstreet.

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Free Dessert At Native Foods Today

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When you buy an entrée, side, and drink at Native Foods today (Wednesday, Dec. 5th), you’ll get a free dessert (they’ve brought out cranberry orange cupcakes just for the occasion), plus you’ll be helping a good cause as they’re donating a portion of the day’s profits to the Coastal Conservation Network. In other Native news, this weekend only, they’re offering a special cashew quinoa burger with carmelized onions, lettuce, tomato, and herbed mayo served with chili garlic spiced fries.  Read more at: nativefoods.com.

 

Pulse Cafe Now Open On Montana In Santa Monica

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Even though the sign proclaiming long-gone Valen Dolce never changed, the most recent inhabitant of the space at 1426 Montana Ave. #5 in Santa Monica was coffee shop Via Dolce (confusing, isn’t it?), that had moved from further up the street when competition from Sweet Lady Jane became too stiff.  Via Dolce recently closed and in its place, a new ambitious venture has just opened.  The brand-spanking new Pulse Cafe offers a healthy menu of vegetarian sandwiches, salads, breakfasts, smoothies, and gluten-free baked goods as well as coffee and tea.  And they’re working on that sign…  Read more at:  westsidepulse.com.

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