Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop Now Open In El Segundo

Posted on May 3, 2024 by toddrickallen

Back in November of last year, I told you about the arrival of popular East Coast eatery Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop to 2140 E El Segundo Blvd STE D, in the Chargers Commons development. The good people over at Capriotti’s wrote to tell me that they have officially thrown open their doors this week. Capriotti’s began in Delaware in 1976 and has since grown to well over 100 restaurants. Their menu, which you can see here, prides itself on sandwiches made with, “whole roast turkeys, quality meats & cheeses, and fresh rolls“.

The Full Skinny On Bar Monette, Downtown Santa Monica’s Newest “Refined Tapas” Spot

Posted on January 25, 2023 by toddrickallen

Remember a few weeks ago when I told you about a new restaurant landing in the old Red Ruby space at 109 Santa Monica Blvd? At the time, I had little information about Bar Monette except that it would be a pizza and wine bar. Since then, the good people over at Bar Monette were kind enough to reach out to me with more information. Bar Monette is described as a “Neapolitan pizza concept” with Chef Sean MacDonald at the helm. This is his first US restaurant. Chef MacDonald was previously chef/owner of Biga Pies and ēst Restaurant in Toronto, which recently made Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants List. (Incidentally, Bar Monette is named after MacDonald’s wife Monette.) Expect a “refined tapas” and wine bar menu with Spanish/Italian influences. I’ll let them describe the menu themselves:

“The menu will be split into five categories; Pizza (eg Pesto Dungeness Crab, Pine Nut, Basil, Aged Cheese), Piccoli Piatti (small plates designed to pair with the pizza eg. Butterleaf with Basil, Pine Nut and Passionfruit), Sugo (a selection of sauces and dips for the crusts (eg Burnt Romanesco and Jalapeño Tonnato) and a small selection of Addizionale (eg Shaved Truffle and Caviar). Desserts will be changed daily depending on seasonality and chef preference (eg Black Cacao, Reishi Mushroom and Mint). The menu will change seasonally and offer vegan and vegetarian options. The drinks menu will offer unique selection of natural wines and beers alongside a water menu highlighting a choice of carbonation level and mineral content.”

They are planning on opening any day now, pending liquor license approval. Bar Monette will be open for walk-ins only from Noon to Midnight, closed Sundays, and will be cashless. We wish them the best of luck.

Vincenti Bids Arrivederci To Brentwood; Being Replaced By Telefèric Barcelona

Posted on October 26, 2022 by toddrickallen

I’ve been hearing from shocked readers that after 25 years, under-the-radar Brentwood powerhouse Vincenti Restorante has closed up shop at 11930 San Vicente Blvd. Vincenti dazzled The Westside for 25 years with its combination of inventive Italian food created by Chef Nicolo Mastronardi and its sophisticated setting. The hard-working woman behind Vincenti, Maureen Vincenti, would greet you with a hug at the door and inquire about your life as she led you into the elegantly appointed dining room studded with old-school Hollywood A-listers and industry execs. And while the luster may have dulled a tad recently, it’s easy to forget that Maureen’s late husband, Muaro Vincenti, along with Piero Salvaggio and others, revolutionized the way Los Angeles and America experienced Italian food. Its closure feels like the end of an era of classic Italian fine dining. Read Maureen’s and Chef Mastronardi’s parting message here.

Wasting no time whatsoever, it appears that Telefèric Barcelona will be throwing their hat into the ring of the recent tapas craze by taking over the space. Telefèric Barcelona hails from Spain and has a smattering of locations in NoCal. They offer a “truly authentic Spanish Tapas concept and experience”. Check out their menu here.

Erratum: This story was originally published with the misspelling of Vicenti instead of the correct Vincenti. My apologies.

Merci Clement Coming Soon To BH

Posted on February 17, 2017 by toddrickallen

Paper covering the windows at 9887 S. Santa Monica Blvd. in Beverly Hills informs us that we can expect a new French café, Merci Clement to open soon. Not much out there yet, just an undeveloped website and Facebook page. According to the notices on the door, we can look for a menu of specialty coffee, salads, sandwiches, crepes, chocolates, “petit cakes”, and gelato. It looks like they’re planning on opening some time this year…

Ladurée Opens In Beverly Hills: You’re Welcome.

Posted on January 17, 2017 by toddrickallen

To the great many of you who have been carefully tracking the progress of LA’s second branch of Paris’ cult macaron shop comes this welcome news: Ladurée threw open its doors at 311 N. Beverly Dr. on Saturday. While I haven’t seen the recently opened outpost at The Grove, this one has a different look and feel than the branches I’ve visited in Paris, London, or New York. The tiny jewel box space is bright and airy with large flowers and lattice on the walls, not paneled and heavily Gallic in theme like many of the others. A cursory glance at the menu shows many of my old favorites, including the Club Champs-Elysees (tomato, eggplant, zucchini, mozzarella, parmesan, and basil on wholemeal bread). And the pastries, cakes, and macarons are as gorgeous as always, and prettily displayed in glass cases, beckoning you to forget all about that New Year’s resolution you recently made…

Correction: I originally reported that the Club Champs-Elysees was on the menu. It is not. That sandwich is apparently only served in Paris and New York. Tofu sliders are this locations meat-free sandwich option.

The 2nd Now Open Inside Whole Foods, El Segundo

Posted on November 15, 2016 by toddrickallen

The popular and always-crowded Whole Foods Market at 760 South Sepulveda Blvd in El Segundo recently opened a new restaurant and bar named The 2nd in a newly constructed space just to your right as you walk in. On offer here are 36 beers on tap, over 12 wines by the glass, and a creative menu of small plates (such as cauliflower nachos, jackfruit “crab” cakes, buttermilk marinated calamari), salads, toasts, sushi, various burgers, and desserts (like boozy gelato). There’s also a happy hour from 4pm to 6pm Monday through Friday, and a brunch. Check out the full menu here.

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Spumoni Back In Action On Montana Ave. With A New Look… And A New Wood-fired Pizza Oven!

Posted on October 12, 2016 by toddrickallen

Popular neighborhood restaurant Spumoni, at 713 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica, ran into a spot of trouble a little over a year ago when a car crashed into the next door Café de Paris and sparked a fire that shut the Italian eatery down. Rising from the ashes, Spumoni threw open its doors last night (Tuesday) for the first time since the fire. Having taken over the Café de Paris space, the plucky always-crowded café is now larger with an extensive remodel. The feel is still cozy and friendly, with a dining room bedecked in warm wood paneling. You’ll continue to find many of the classics on the menu, but if you haven’t thought about Spumoni as a destination in a while, it might be time to reconsider. They built a spiffy wood-fired pizza oven brought from Napoli and flew in a pizza expert, Pizzaiolo Massimo Caso to serve some the crispest (perhaps best) Neapolitan-style pies anywhere in this neck of the woods. We wish them the best of luck.

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Belle Vie Food & Wine Opens In West LA

Posted on August 3, 2016 by toddrickallen

I first noticed that something new was coming to the space at 11916 Wilshire Blvd. that formerly housed the fusty Western Los Angeles fixture Divita’s Pizzeria back in January, when window paper promised a new restaurant and wine bar brought to us by Vincent and Chase. Then in June, Divita’s iconic sign was changed and let us know the name of the new wine bar: Belle Vie Food & Wine. On Tuesday, Belle Vie (which means “beautiful life” in French) threw open its doors for the first time. The new eatery is helmed by Vincent Samarco and Cedric Nicolas, both of whom have cut their teeth in Paris restaurants. Expect a French-leaning menu (moules, frites, charcuteries, fromages, French wines) that also includes a few surprises like mac and cheese, gravlax, devilled eggs, and “Burgundy tacos“, all served in a cozy, neighborhood bistro and bar with warm service. Check out their website and read more here.

Veggie Grill Rolls Out Its Summer Menu

Posted on June 16, 2016 by toddrickallen

It’s that time of year, when popular vegan chain Veggie Grill unveils its Summer menu. Included on this year’s menu are: hummus and za’atar flatbread, Koreatown tacos, chargrilled street corn, and Thai tacos. Check out the entire menu of seasonal additions to their regular menu here.

Expect Big Menu Changes Soon At Superba Snack Bar…

Posted on September 18, 2015 by toddrickallen

It looks like we can expect some big changes soon at the always crowded Superba Snack Bar on Rose Ave. Having left the spotlight that lately constantly shines on Petit Trois, Chef Sydney Hunter has now come on board and is redesigning parts of the menu with help from a new and vibrant sous chef Richard Rea. I’m told that dinner menu changes will be in place by the end of the month and that we should look for more seafood and vegetarian fare. There will also be a serious redo of the lunch and breakfast menus.

Native Foods Celebrates Chicken Month

Posted on September 3, 2015 by toddrickallen

Native Foods is celebrating chicken month. No, I’m not kidding. And they are marking the auspicious month with… wings! Yes, nothing says chicken month better than vegan wings so all month-long starting September 4th, they will be offering special varieties of wings including sweet sriracha, Thai peanut, and tangy BBQ. Read more, find a location, or check out their seasonal menu here.

Simplethings Now Open In Santa Monica…

Posted on July 7, 2015 by toddrickallen

Back in December of last year, we learned from Eater that simplethings, the cozy sandwich shop well-known for their amazing pies, was intending to open a branch in Santa Monica. Simplethings has quietly slipped into the space at 800 Wilshire Blvd., right smack dab on the corner of Lincoln and is now up and running. With three other locations across LA, they offer a menu of sandwiches, breakfasts, salads, and of course pie that you can read more about here.

Veggie Grill Rolls Out Its New Spring Menu…

Posted on April 10, 2015 by toddrickallen

It’s that time of year, when popular vegan chain Veggie Grill unveils its new Spring menu items. Included on this year’s list are: fresh pea + asparagus soup: banh mi salad; spice market bowl (Moroccan-spiced and grilled tofu, sautéed asparagus, sweet peppers, leeks, roasted corn, faro, chard, beets, golden raisins, with a preserved lemon vinaigrette); and a strawberry and rhubarb parfait. Check out the entire menu of seasonal additions to their regular menu here.

And The Name Of The New Restaurant Is… Estate

Posted on March 27, 2015 by toddrickallen

Back in late February, I told you about an ABC application posted on the vacant space at 1519 Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica that used to house The Parlor. The applicant was listed as Estate 1519, which I assumed was a working name. Well, as it turns out, the new restaurant will indeed be named Estate as indicated by the sample menu that they recently posted in the window. According to the Yelp page, Estate is up and running (possibly a soft opening) as of this week and the (positive) reviews are trickling in. The menu, designed by Chef Hisashi Yoshiara (Buddha’s Belly) appears to be an eclectic mix of Asian influences and Californian cuisine that you can check out in the photo below.

Obica Century City’s Unlimited Pizza Party Tonight!

Posted on March 11, 2015 by toddrickallen

Tonight (Wednesday, March 11th), at 7pm, Obica in the Century City Shopping Center is hosting a Giropizza Party. What exactly does that mean? For $30 (beverage and tax not included), you well get a slice of every pizza that rolls out of the oven until you cry for mercy. Choices will include classic pizzas, as well as freshly invented varieties and dessert pizzas as well. But you will need to call and make a reservation as space will be limited. Call (310) 566-2452 just as fast as your fingers can dial to secure your spot.

Veggie Grill Rolls Out Its New “Mindful Living” Menu

Posted on January 16, 2015 by toddrickallen

Just in time for all those flagging New Year’s resolutions, Veggie Grill has rolled out its new “Mindful Living” menu. The concept is a focus on items that are “lower in calories, high in protein, nutrient dense, energy packed, and flavor-full”. Included are: banh mi salad, tres chickin’ tacos + black beans, chargrilled veggie + penne salad, and many more choices that you can read about here.

Beaming Now Open On Montana Ave. In SM

Posted on January 7, 2015 by toddrickallen

Beaming opened in the completely redone sunny space at 1426 Montana Avenue in Santa Monica yesterday (Tuesday January 6th). This is the third branch of the organic superfood cafe that offers a menu of juices, smoothies, salads, bowls, and baked treats. Look for an upcoming branch to open in West Hollywood later in the year, but until then, read more here.

Bouchon BH Brings Back Ad Hoc Fried Chicken…

Posted on January 2, 2015 by toddrickallen

Die-hard fans of über famous chef Thomas Keller can once again rejoice. Bouchon Bistro in Beverly Hills is bringing back the cult-producing buttermilk fried chicken served at another Keller landmark, Yountville’s Ad Hoc. You can procure the popular poultry, served with “seasonal accompaniments” on the first and third Monday of every month. Read more about Keller’s empire here.

Veggie Grill Rolls Out Its New Winter Menu…

Posted on November 14, 2014 by toddrickallen

Rapidly-expanding vegan chain Veggie Grill has rolled out its new winter menu. Included on the seasonal menu are: crispy portobellos, chargrilled veggies and penne, a glazed tofu banh mi, Sonoran winter bowl, kale and white bean braise, and other items. Check out the full menu and read more here.

Kye’s Now Pushing “Kyeritos” in SM…

Posted on November 6, 2014 by toddrickallen

Well that didn’t take long… Back in June, I told you about a new “superfood” concept restaurant poised to take over the space at 1518 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica that used to house pizza restaurant BricoLA. And by some miracle of planetary alignment (for that’s what’s needed to open a restaurant this quickly in Santa Monica), Kye’s opened yesterday (November 5th). Look for varied menu of salads, shakes, smoothies, breakfasts offerings, and their proprietary “kyerito”, which is essentially a wrap of such favorites as BBQ pork, reuben, paleo tuna, as well as many veg and vegan options such as bean taco, and “Nahm Jim“, the latter consisting of “assorted veggies, herbs, lotus root, woodear, Nahm Jim fish sauce or Veg Nahm Jim sauce, hemp seeds, macadamia nuts, sliced almonds, red/black rice blend, and nori” (whew!). Read more and check out their complete menu here.

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