Author Archives: toddrickallen

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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Seasons 52, Coffee Bean Now Open In Century City

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Well, it looks like Seasons 52 was able to do it… They opened on their projected November 26th date in the Westfield Century City Shopping Center with a cool Houston’s meets True Food Kitchen vibe.  As well we know, Santa Monica, however,  is a whole other animal and the Seasons 52 that was scheduled to open in January is now delayed. Check out their menu here: seasons52.  In other Century City news, the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf that was built at the center of the mall opened on Friday. 

 

Cook By Venokado Now Open In The Market, SMP

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Just in time for holiday shopping, Cook by Venokado (a.k.a. Venokado Kitchen Supply in previous posts and on signs throughout the mall) is now open in The Market at Santa Monica Place.  Carrying a selection of specialty cookware, utensils, ingredients, and one-of-a-kind pieces, the plucky little offshoot of Venokado, the wine and gift shop at the far end of The Market as well as in West Hollywood officially debuted on Black Friday.  venokado.com

Hideaway At The Oceana Now Closed For Renovation

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Where’s the prettiest place you’ve never eaten?  That would be Hideaway at the Oceana Beach Club Hotel, the secretive, sexy hotel nestled into a quiet residential neighborhood at 849 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica.  Why is it the prettiest and why have you never eaten there?  Originally opened with a “guest only” policy (later abandoned), this little charmer boasted an adventurous (if small) “coastal California cuisine” menu, a seaside clubhouse  feel, and jaw-dropping views of Palisades Park and the ocean beyond through enormous picture windows.  Well, all that is about to change.  Hideaway at the  Oceana is now closed for a major renovation.  Gone will be the clubhouse feel, to be replaced with a sleek Deco design and a fireplace.  The menu will be completely revamped as well.  Sumptuous sunset views will stay.  Look for a December opening…

The Commons Now Open In Santa Monica

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With a troubled history of encounters with the law, ABC, and the Health Dept., the Broadway Ale House at 129 Broadway in Santa Monica was not destined for long.  A new establishment with a new owner, a new lease on life, and a new name has taken its place.  The Commons took the paper from its windows after a re-do and opened its doors this week.  Sign changes are still to come.  We wish them better luck…

 

Seasons 52 Set To Open November 26th in Century City

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Although various dates have been floating around, on Monday, a manager confirmed to me that the LA area’s first outpost of Seasons 52, the “fresh grill and wine bar” going into the old Houston’s space in the Westfield Century City Shopping Center will be opening November 26th. Santa Monica’s branch still has no definite date, but is listed on the website with a winter opening.  In the mean time check out more here: seasons52.com.