Breaking news! Just heard from the manager Sauro, that Bar Toscana is now open, next door to sister restaurant and Brentwood mainstay, Toscana at 11633 San Vicente Blvd. The cozy space features a menu of Italian tapas and an emphasis on mixology utilizing fresh herbs, fruits, and other fresh ingredients. I’ll post more shortly… Until then, read more at https://toddrickallen.com/2010/10/25/bar-toscana-brentwood/.
Ok, so I had a peek into Jeffrey Cerciello’s FARMshop in the Brentwood Country Market. Obviously the ‘Shop’ part is incomplete. But the restaurant half bears a striking resemblance to the previous inhabitant, City Bakery. This left me and a number of local business patrons with whom I spoke wondering what the hell they were doing behind those boarded up doors for such a long time. The restaurant is structured exactly the same. Even the pastries look the same. Hmmm.
Susan Feniger’s Street has announced a new line of cocktails to put you in the holiday spirit after a wearying day of Christmas shopping. Pop in for a little constitutional after you’ve braved the crowds at Bev Center to find the perfect tie for Uncle Vincent.
Bru’s Wiffle, which you may remember reading about here http://wp.me/pIwAN-bQ, is now open at 2408 Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica. Billing itself as a “Waffle Joint”, they serve both savory and sweet waffles made from a secret batter recipe. Breakfast waffles are topped with scrambled eggs and a variety of other toppings such as the “Popeye” which includes tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, and onions. Open for lunch and dinner as well, the simple savory waffle menu includes a pizza waffle and a chili cheese waffle. They also have salads and sides, and a drink menu consisting of coffees, teas, lemonade, and banana milk. Read more at bruswiffle.com.
Just noticed that a sign went up at the Veggie Grill construction site on the corner of Wilshire and 20th in Santa Monica indicating that Mexican chain Poquito Mas is somehow also going into the same space. Interesting…
Here’s a great opportunity for fans of Amarone della Valpolicella: Osteria Mozza is hosting a special wine dinner next Monday, December 6th featuring the Italian red. On hand will be Tony Apostolako from Masi Agricole whose vineyards have been producing wine since the 12th Century. He will be guiding the tasting of rare wines coupled with Matt Molina’s food. Cost is $150 and seating limited so act fast! Contact Sara Parenti at Mozza for rezzies or more info at sparenti@mozza-la.com .
Well it looks like popular neighborhood watering hole, JP’s Grill on the corner of Wilshire and 11th in Santa Monica got caught by ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) on the 18th of November and will remain closed down until the 2nd of December. While I don’t know the charge, usually ABC sends out stings to catch establishments that serve liquor to minors. I’m continuing to see a steady stream of depressed partiers wandering aimlessly around the front door, not sure what to do next…
Toddrickallen got a chance to catch up with Antonio DeCicco, who left Toscana about 7 months ago to open his own venture, Villetta in the old Chez Mimi space at the corner of 26th and San Vicente in Brentwood. Antonio showed me around the spacious complex, which although looking like it still needs a lot of work, is slated to open soon. The concept of Villetta is not so much a single restaurant, but a series of buildings, outdoor dining spaces (with heated radiant concrete), and lively bars (the address boasts the only 2:00am liquor license in the area). People will be encouraged to mingle throughout the various houses and perhaps find a comfy corner or nook to relax and have a drink and a nibble. The menu is described as “South Italian fresh market driven” and to helm the kitchen, Antonio has hired Pippa Calland, a former sous chef at the French Laundry. Indeed, Antonio has recently returned from the Amalfi Coast to find inspiration. And yes, there will be a pizza oven. The reason the 3 million dollar restoration of the space has taken so long is because the old Chez Mimi buildings are designated landmarks and any change whatsoever requires permits and cutting through red tape. But, persistence is paying off. Look for an opening in about one month, although private parties have already booked out the first few weeks.
Mozza2Go’s “Scuola di Pizza” has announced the December dates for its pizza-making classes. The classes are held on Sundays from 7:00pm to 10:00pm and will be on the following dates: December 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th. The classes cost $150 per person. What a perfect gift for the Holiday season!
Mozza 6602 Melrose Avenue
Good news for all you Black Friday shoppers! Pizza Antica in Santa Monica is announcing a special breakfast menu for all you who hit the pavement early. They will be offering such things as Potato Pizza with Truffle Oil & Baked Egg, Roasted Pepper Potato & Mozzarella Frittata, and Baked Eggs with Pain de Mie Toast and Hash Potatoes. Doors open at 8:00am on Friday November 26th. So now you have no excuse not to get out there and do your part for the economy!
Pizza Antica 395 Santa Monica Place. Santa Monica | 310.394.4080 | www.pizzaantica.com
If you’ve been wondering what’s with all the construction at 1515 Ocean Ave. in Santa Monica, they’ve finally put up signs. Apparently the new Shore Hotel will be opening on the spot sometime in Summer of 2011. Not much news on the internet yet, and their website is still under construction, but it looks like it will be a hip destination hotel which means a restaurant of some kind. I’ll keep you posted.
You can get a glimpse of what it will look like here…
Construction is underway on a new Italian sandwich shop in Manhattan Beach. Toscana Deli, at least according to the sign, will be serving soups, salads, pastries, and sandwiches. The new deli is located on the corner of Highland and 41st street and will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Jane Lockhart took time out of her busy schedule to chat briefly with a nosy Toddrickallen on Friday about the Santa Monica opening of her second location of her popular bakery Sweet Lady Jane (first reported here https://toddrickallen.com/2010/04/09/sweet-lady-jane-santa-monica/) . According to Jane, the wildly anticipated Nov. 18th opening is more than likely going to be pushed back “a few days” due to the amount of work left to be done and the massive cleanup. The walls were still being painted with swirling patterns when she showed me around. The space is bright and airy with a fresh, welcoming feel. With the recent bakery explosion on Montana Avenue, all eyes have been eagerly on SLJ. It looks like we’ll have to wait a bit longer… The good news is that all you NoMa housewives can order your Thanksgiving pies now! SLJ has a pie and cake menu posted in its window. Call (310) 254-9499 for details.
I’m continuing to write about restaurants offering fantastic vegetarian options for what may be an herbivore’s biggest challenge, Thanksgiving. This week, Josiah Citrin’s Melisse in Santa Monica posted its Thanksgiving menu, which can be done traditionally, or completely vegetarian. The three course menu offers two starter choices, a pumpkin soup or a fall green salad, a main course of Wild Mushroom, Sweet Onion and Burrata Torte Autumn Herb Jus with a choice of three of “Josiah’s Mom’s traditional” sides from a selection of seven, and a number of desserts including Chocolate Soufflé Cake Chocolate Sorbet, Praline Sauce, Pudwill Berries, and an apple, pecan, and pumpking pie. Price is a reasonable $89 for adults, $42 for kids and it is served from 3:00 to 7:30.
1104 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 395-0881
guestservices@melisse.com
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Even though she’s out as editor-in-chief at Bon Appetit magazine (replaced by Adam Rapaport), Barbara Fairchild isn’t exactly slowing down. After a whirlwind tour of the Bay Area, she’ll be bringing her promotion of the new book Bon Appetit Desserts to the LA area. Catch her book signing at Macy’s Topanga, Home Department, Level 3 on Sunday, November 14 at 1:00pm. They’ll even be offering dessert samples and baking demos!
Susan Feniger’s Street has a fantastic take-away Thanksgiving menu available for those of you who are cooking-challenged. The menu is mix and match and can be done vegetarian or vegan, as well as traditional. Well, as traditional as Tandoori Oven Jackfruit will let you be. Such sides as Carrot Salad with Harissa, Currants, and Feta Cheese, Pumpkin and Poblano Tamales, Indian Spiced Mashed Sweet Potatoes, or Sautéed Brussel Sprouts with Goat Cheese, Apple and Hazelnut would turn any Thanksgiving table into an international extravaganza. You must order three days in advance of your pick-up. Last day for pick-up is Wednesday, Nov. 24th. Check out full menu and prices here http://www.eatatstreet.com/thanksgiving.pdf or call 323.203.0500 for more info or to place an order.
If you bring in your voting confirmation today, you will get a free appetizer at Susan Feniger’s Street (with the purchase of $10 or more). This will be particularly handy if you’re “celebrating” Prop 19’s passage and happen to get the munchies…
www.eatatstreet.comGood news for Westsiders! Babycakes, which opened in downtown earlier this year is now selling cupcakes at M Café de Chaya. Specializing in vegan and gluten-free goodies, the New York bakery is offering its line of brownies, muffins, cookies, and of course cupcakes at the various locations of the macrobiotic eatery (sadly, Culver City fans will have to drive to Beverly Hills after the recent closure of M Café there). Think of the time and guilt saved as you skip the lines at Sprinkles and head instead just a few blocks distance for your sweet fix. Read more at http://www.mcafedechaya.com/ or http://www.babycakesnyc.com/.
TV chef and cookbook author Ina Garten will be in Santa Monica to sign copies of her latest book, Barefoot Contessa: How Easy Is That? Fabulous Recipes & Easy Tips. Although I have yet to get my hands on a copy of this one, Ina’s cookbooks are a favorite of mine and I often find myself referencing them before parties. The signing will be at the Williams-Sonoma at 1600 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm on Thursday, November 11, 2010. Call (310) 586-1018 for more info.
Construction continues fast and furiously on the La Monarca Bakery at the corner of Wilshire and Euclid in Santa Monica, slated to open in early November. (Toddrickallen broke the story in June: http://wp.me/pIwAN-9f) Signs went up this week and a prominent “Now Hiring” sign is in the window. We’ll keep you posted. Until then, see the menu here: http://lamonarcabakery.com/en/pdf/MONARCA-MENU.pdf.
Toddrickallen 
