Category Archives: News

Special Chef’s Dinner This Monday, December 5th At Sotto To Celebrate The LA Picks For Esquire Magazine’s “Best New Restaurants 2011”

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Breaking news…  This Monday, December 5th, the chefs from the three LA picks for Esquire’s Best New Restaurants 2011, Sotto, Playa, and Ray’s And Stark Bar, are converging upon Sotto (whom Esquire said had the best pizza in town right now)  to celebrate their listing. Chefs Steve Samson & Zach Pollack (Sotto), Chef John Sedlar (PLAYA), Chef Kris Morningstar (RAY’S AND STARK BAR), will present a yet-to-be determined 6 course extravaganza with award-winning mixologist Julian Cox pouring the cocktails and Sotto’s wine director, Jeremy Parzen pairing wines.  Cost is: $65/per person, optional wine pairing $30/per person, cocktails $12.  Bound to book out, rush an email to info@sottorestaurant.com with your name, the number of people in your party, your requested reservation time and phone number as fast as your little fingers can hit the keys… 

Milo & Olive Now Open For Dinner In Santa Monica

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Lurking behind a nondescript dark facade next to that curious pipe shop on Wilshire is the latest darling in the burgeoning mini-empire of Josh Loeb and Zoe Nathan (Rustic Canyon, Huckleberry, Sweet Rose Creamery). Milo & Olive, their intimate, modern bakeshop and pizzeria began opening for dinner last night (December 1).  Open since November 18 for breakfast and lunch, their new lunch and dinner menu will be served from 11:00am to 11:00pm.  Space is tight and no reservations are accepted so there is a big emphasis on take-out.  Check out their lunch/dinner menu here: miloandolive.com/momenu/. Milo & Olive is at 2723 Wilshire Blvd. (at Harvard) in Santa Monica. miloandolive.com.

Debauve & Gallais Chocolates Now At Barneys In Beverly Hills

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While investigating the new house line of nibbles at Barneys in Beverly Hills called “Fred’s”, I came across an exciting discovery:  They now carry a line of the famous Debauve & Gallais chocolates from Paris!  Billed as the “world’s most exclusive chocolate”, the iconic chocolatier was founded in 1800 to serve the kings of France and famously created chocolates for the likes of Marie Antoinette, Proust, and Baudelaire as well as numerous kings and tsars.  We’re not talking the little yuzu and black sesame art pieces popping up in boutiques all over Paris right now.  This is old school sophistication and elegance.  Visiting their Paris shop or the now defunct New York store was like stepping back in time, with chocolates arranged like precious jewels in cases.  They will make the perfect gift this holiday season.  Read more at: debauveandgallais.com.  Barneys New York is at 9570 Wilshire Blvd in Beverly Hills. 

Z Garden, Santa Monica Now Open

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Z Garden, a sunny new bistro has just opened at 2350 Pico Blvd (at 24th) in Santa Monica.  Although the menu is still under development, the emphasis is on “fresh, healthy Mediterranean cuisine”.  Expect an assortment of classics such as falafel, fatoush, sandwiches, plates, and desserts served in a bright, minimalist boîte 

And So It Begins At The Market At Santa Monica Place…

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Wasn’t it just yesterday we were eagerly anticipating the changes at Santa Monica Place?  Here are a few sad photos of the first round of casualties atop the hiccupping mall.  As of Oct. 31st, Xino, the mod Chinese cavern once reviewed for the Times by Sister Irene herself is now caput.  And I’m sure that many die-hard fans of Piero Salvaggio are wiping away a tear over the demise of Primi Al Mercato, his ambitious restaurant/retail space.  Keep your fingers crossed that that’s all for now.  I ran into a former employee of Primi who told me that they simply did not have the traffic, with some evenings seating only three tables.  Sigh…

Ex-Xino
 
What used to be the “market” of Primi Al Mercato
 
The remains of Primi Al Mercato

Josiah Citrin’s New Book Out

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Josiah Citrin’s new book, In Pursuit of Excellence, is just about to be released.  To celebrate, Josiah will be hosting a function at his flagship restaurant Melisse on Sunday  December 4th from 4pm to 7pm.  Hot off the press, the books will be available for signing, as well as food and drink.  Space is extremely limited… But if you’re a fan of Citrin’s, why not try your luck by sending yours and one guest’s name to Jannis Swerman at jannids@aol.com.

1104 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, California 90401  (310) 395.0881

Artisan House To Open First Week In December

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Artisan House - Break Bread, Share Wine, Feed The Soul. Coming Nov 2011.

According to a press release that just landed in my inbox, Artisan House, the upscale deli/market/restaurant going into the historic Pacific Electric Building at 600 South Main in Downtown, will open the first week of December.  The ambitious project is overseen by managing partner Patrice Rozat (Mr. Chow, Four Seasons) and exec Chef Jason Ryczek (One Sunset, Boa), who will oversee a lengthy upmarket Cal/Med menu designed to be “adventurous and socially responsible” (including the current trend in eco-hip: the rooftop garden).  The extensive selection of choices will include salads, soups, sandwiches, flatbreads, mains and will be available in two dining rooms, a large patio, bar, and deli designed to evoke a “stylish neighborhood hangout” with a look utilizing the building’s original turn-of-the-century romanesque and beaux-arts design.  The market will stock specialty items such as artisan olive oils and vinegar, condiments, jams, chocolates, beer and wine.  DJs will be spinning tunes Thursday through the weekend, and brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday.  Clearly a lot of thought and development have gone into the creation of Artisan House including my vote for best idea ever:  “take-home cocktails”. 

You can follow progress on their website:  www.artisanhouse.net.

Ultimate Food Fight Chef Competition In Venice

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The fifth in a series of travelling chef competitions, “The Ultimate Food Fight” takes place this Thursday, November 17th from 5:00pm to 6:30pm at the Whole Foods in Venice.  Chefs from Whole Foods have 30 minutes to create a unique dish out of basic stuffing.  Guest judges for the event are Ben Ford from Ford’s Filling Station, Casey Lane from The Tasting Kitchen, and Jason Bowlin from Catch at Casa Del Mar.  To get in, you have to donate two shelf-stable Thanksgiving food items to the Venice Housing Corp Food Bank.  RSVP to spven.marketing@wholefoods.com or by calling (310) 566-9480.  Whole Foods Venice is at 225 Lincoln Blvd. 

True Food Kitchen Hosts “Spontaneous Happiness” Event With Dr. Andrew Weil

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As you probably know, Dr. Andrew Weil was the consultant for the über-healthy menu at True Food Kitchen on the ground floor of Santa Monica Place. So it should come as no surprise that the good Doctor will be giving a presentation there on his new book, Spontaneous Happiness on Tuesday, Nov. 15th at 10:00am.  Included in the $45 fee will be a variety of True Food offerings including: kale salad, eggplant pizza, squash pie, and others.  Reservations are limited… call (480) 751-2176 to secure yours.  truefoodkitchen.com

Celebration Of The Truffle At Obikà, Century City

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Thanks to those busy pigs in Alba, Italy (although I think they’re actually dogs), truffle season is upon us!  And in case your budget doesn’t include an 8 course at Melisse, good news!  Obikà in the Century City Shopping Center celebrates the famous and traditionally pricey fungus Nov 15 starting at 6pm.  They are offering a special four course menu paired with wine that you can check out here: truffledinnermenu2011.  Cost is $85 for food, $28 for the wine pairing.  Seating is limited so call (310) 556-2452 ASAP for reservations or visit Obikala.com. 

 

Chocovivo, The Chocolate Mini Bar To Soft Open this Weekend In Venice

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Already a fixture at local farmer’s markets, Chocovivo, the “bean to bar” specialists are working fast and furiously on their new boutique, The Chocolate Mini Bar at 1504 Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice.  Passionate about chocolate, they only offer dark chocolate that is stone ground, organically raised, gluten-free, made in small batches, and sourced from a family plantation in Tabasco, Mexico.  Although by the looks of this photo taken last night they have a way to go, I was told by Alex Conn (VP of strategic development) that they are planning on a soft opening this weekend.  Read more at chocovivo.com. 

Free Kaya Toast At Street Tonight!

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Instead of trick or treating, head over to Susan Feniger’s Street tonight where, if you wear a costume, you will get a free order of kaya toast!  Kaya toast is a magical combination of egg, soy sauce, coconut jam, and bread eaten in parts of southeast Asia and would be a perfect way to kick of your Halloween revelry. 

 www.eatatstreet.com
742 N. Highland Los Angeles, CA 90038
Phone: 323.203.0500

Le Cellier Now Open In Marina Del Rey

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Le Cellier, the brand-spanking new Vietnamese/French fusion restaurant from the people who brought you China Beach in Venice, has now officially (soft) opened for lunch and dinner.  The modern/cozy boîte offers a menu of various “petits plats”, cheese and charcuterie plates, banh mi, tartines, and mains.  Included among the Vietnamese and French classics (think French onion soup, tartine of duck rillette, lemongrass sauteed mussels, and roasted pork loin in plum wine sauce) are a number of vegetarian dishes such as:  medley of sautéed mushroom on grilled eggplants, Le Cellier vegetarian tartine (baguette with caviar of eggplant, Maui onion marmalade, seared tofu, and sun-dried tomato), toasted banh mi cha (Vietnamese savory egg cake with mustard spread).  Beer and wine are available.  Le Cellier Restaurant and Wine Bar is located at 417 Washington Blvd., Marina Del Rey.  Phone:  (424) 228-5491.

 

Thanksgiving At Melisse, Santa Monica

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For those of us who make reservations instead of cranberry sauce and pie for Thanksgiving, good news!  It’s that time of year when LA restaurants roll out their holiday menus.  The first to catch my attention is Josiah Citrin’s elegant Melisse in Santa Monica.  His three course menu offers a variety of traditional and non-traditional choices, and at least one vegetarian option available for a main:  wild mushroom, sweet onion and burrata torte with a choice of sides including praline pecan yams, szechwan green beans, fresh cranberry sauce.  Dessert choices include an apple pie, a pecan pie, a chocolate souffle cake and a pumpkin pie with vanilla ice cream and sauce “terre et mer” (“land and sea”… your guess is as good as mine).  Cost is $89 for adults and $42 for kids 8 and under. Dinner is served from 3:00pm to 7:30pm on Thanksgiving, November 24th.  Make your reservations by calling (310) 395-0881. More information at melisse.com.

Barbaresco Wine Tasting And Dinner At Mozza

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If you’re crazy about Barbaresco, the illustrious Piedmont wine from the Nebbiolo grape, you’re in luck.  Mozza is hosting a wine tasting with Claudia Cigliuti, daughter of Renato Cigliuti who is esteemed for his family run, estate produced Barbaresco.  Chef Matt Molina’s 4 course Piedmontese menu will be paired with various vintages from the famed producer dating back to 1997.  The dinner will take place on Tuesday, October 25th at 7:00pm and costs $135 per person.  Call (323) 866-5290 for reservations. mozzarestaurantgroup.com/

 

 

Williams-Sonoma Santa Monica Customer Appreciation Night Tonight!

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Start your holiday shopping early!  Williams-Sonoma in Santa Monica is hosting a customer appreciate event tonight only (Thursday, October 20th) from 6pm until 9pm.  They will be previewing the Thanksgiving collection, providing food samples, and offering 10% off the entire store (with some exceptions), as well as other offers.  Williams-Sonoma Santa Monica is at 1600 Montana Ave.