Obika CC Launches Its Weekend Brunch With Free Mimosas!

Starting this weekend, mozzarella-specialist Obika in the Century City Shopping Center is launching its first ever brunch from 11:30am until 4:00pm Saturday and Sunday.  Promising a menu of “Old World and New World” dishes, they are upping the ante on the classics with a few new twists including pancakes as prepared by the ancient Romans, and French toast in the manner of Sardinian tradition.  And to kick off their inaugural weekend, they are pouring complimentary mimosas.  Make your reservation by calling (310) 556-2452.

obika2

Upper West’s Special Scotch Whiskey Dinner On August 14th

Scotland aficionados, lovers of Scotch whiskey, and adventurous eaters will all be thrilled that West LA’s Upper West with Bruichladdich Islay Single Malt Whiskey is hosting a special dinner on August 14th.  Starting at 7:00pm, the inventive 5 course meal will be paired with various Scotch Whiskeys and include at least one course of something called “Haggis Mousse” (hmmm…).  Cost is $70 and you can score your rezzie by calling (310) 586-1111.

upper

Native Foods’ Legendary Reuben Back This Weekend Only…

Today (August 1st) through Sunday, Native Foods is bringing back its legendary classic Reuben Sandwich consisting of slices of Native Reuben Seitan piled on New York rye with homemade sauerkraut, horseradish cheese, and chipotle sauce.  Available this weekend only, you can read more and while you’re at it, check out their summer menu here.

native

Yet Another Starbucks In SM… With Beer & Wine!

Perhaps due to Silicon Beach, coffee houses are rapidly increasing in Santa Monica…  Thanks to a tip from a reader, I ventured over to the check out yet another Starbucks under construction at 1705 Ocean Avenue unit C (but really located in the back of the new Waverly building on the corner of Olympic and Main).  It appears that this Starbucks will be selling beer and wine in addition to lattes, according to the conditional use permit posted in the window.  Located right next to the new Tongva Park, this might be the perfect place to sit with a glass of Ferrari-Carano and try the Starbucks Evenings menu, that you can check out here. 

starbucks2

starbucks1

 

Native Food’s Special Sub This Weekend

This weekend only, vegan chain Native Foods Café is dishing up a special sandwich, the Cauliflower Power Sub, consisting of roasted cauliflower, red onions, sweet red peppers, smashed chickpeas, arugula and creamy Spanish Romesco sauce all on a multigrain baguette served with special seasoned fries and a fresh watermelon slice for $10.75.  Available July 4th and disappearing after July 6th, you can check out more on their website here.   

native

 

Goji Juice + Vitamins Now Open In Downtown Santa Monica

The antioxidant-packed goji berry is having its moment right now.  Not since kale have we seen anything in the vegetable kingdom become so au courant.  And now they’ve even gotten a namesake shop:  Goji Juice + Vitamins opened this week at 408 Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica.  Check out their menu of “organic, fresh squeezed juices and smoothies, healthy food, supplements, and more” here.  photo photo copy

Mahi Mahi Seafood Grill Now Open In SM

Only just a few weeks ago I told you about a new venture taking over the Maya Japanese Food space in the tiny strip mall on the corner of Yale and Santa Monica Blvd. in Santa Monica.  The brand spankin’ new Mahi Mahi Seafood Grill is now open, serving fish in a variety of ways including: grilled, sandwiches, pasta, burritos, tacos, even Hawaiian and teriyaki plates.  Hours: 11:00am to 9:30pm (8:30pm Sundays).

mahi1

mahui2

 

Belcampo Farm Kitchen Now Open For Dinner In Santa Monica

A “preview” of the upcoming Belcampo Meat Co. Restaurant and Butcher Shop, the Belcampo Farm Kitchen is now open for a trial run Tuesday through Saturday 5pm to 10pm at the corner of Wilshire and 11th in Santa Monica.  You can check out a sample of their menu that features meats that are grass-fed, organic, and humanely raised at their farm in Northern California and learn more here.

bel1

bel2

bel3

 

 

 

Native Foods’ Korean BBQ Sandwich

This weekend only,  vegan chain Native Foods Café is dishing up a special sandwich, the Korean BBQ Sub, consisting of Asian marinated seitan, pineapple slaw, red peppers, and crispy mushrooms on a toasted baguette and served with fries for $9.95.  But you’d better hurry, the sandwich will disappear after December 15th.  Read more and find a location here.

native

 

Adoteca (Miraculously) Now Open In Brentwood

I’m utterly gob-smacked…  I can’t recall the last time I’ve seen a restaurant open so quickly on the Westside.  If you remember, Osteria Latini only just closed up shop on November 17th in the tiny space at 11712 San Vicente Blvd. in Brentwood.  Astonishingly, Adoteca has opened in the same space a mere 18 days later on Wednesday (Dec. 4th).  Brought to you by the same people behind Ado on Main St. in Venice and Casa Ado in MDR, expect a solid and accomplished Italian menu with dishes such as Prosciutto e Burrata, Risotto ai Porcini e Mirtilli (risotto with porcini and blueberry), and Orta alla Griglia servito su un Letto di Caponata (grilled sea bream on a bed of caponata) served by friendly and accommodating staff in a dimly lit, intimate dining room.

adoteca1

adoteca2

 

Street’s Rosh Hashanah

Need a last-minute plan for Rosh Hashanah, which begins today (Wednesday, September 4th) at sunset?  Try Susan Feniger’s Street.  They are offering a 4 course menu with choices such as Sephardic long-cooked egg mashed with feta, olive oil, and avocado; wood roasted cauliflower with fried olives and chimichurri; and strawberry shortcake with chocolate matzo candy.  Cost is $45 per person.  First seating is at 5pm, and open seating is at 7:30 and after.  Check out the full menu and make a reservation here.  L’Shana Tova!

street2

Melisse’s Super Exclusive Spain Event…

With the dearth of elegant restaurants in LA, Chef Josiah Citrin has never been one compromise.  His posh Mélisse in Santa Monica has long held the banner of a truly great destination restaurant.  Recently, he has upped the ante with a series of exclusive dinners he calls “Something Different in the Augie Room“.  On Wednesday, September 4th, the series will showcase Spain and commemorate the founding of LA on September 4th, 1781 by the Spanish.  But the multi-course menu (costing $125) will be available to 10 diners only, so you’d better hurry if you want a chance to experience Citrin’s creativity firsthand.  Reservations: (310) 395-0881.  melisse.com

melisse

 

Redwood Grille Now Open In Santa Monica

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.

grille1

grille2

grille3

grille4

 

 

Street’s Cinco De Mayo Celebration…

This Sunday, in celebration of Cinco de Mayo, Susan Feniger’s Street has planned a special taco night with a wide selection of veg and non-veg tacos, toppings, and sides all served on Border Grill homemade tortillas.   Included on the taco menu: chipotle jackfruit, fried duck egg, beer battered okra, and smoked octopus.  Tacos are either a la carte or as plates and can be washed down with margaritas and aguas frescas.  Check out the entire menu and read more here: eatatstreet.

newstreet

 

Seasons 52 Now Open In Santa Monica

Well, it looks like Seasons 52 was able to do it… They opened their Santa Monica location on March 28th after only minimal delays (a veritable miracle in SM). With a cool Houston’s meets True Food Kitchen vibe, they are now serving lunch and dinner for the calorie-conscious crowd 7 days a week at 1501 Ocean Ave. (corner of Broadway) . Check out their menu here: seasons52.

season