Well, I can’t exactly say this was a surprise… While other locations of Mexican party spot Kalaveras are quite popular, Santa Monica’s branch has long struggled to attract crowds. Perhaps this was because of the cursed location (it was previously the doomed home of Belcampo), or its proximity to perennially popular El Cholo across the street. But whatever the reason, Kalaveras has abandoned this location at 1026 Wilshire Blvd. I’ll keep watching the tricky space to see what may develop…
This story saddens me… When local institution Stan’s Donuts closed their longtime home at 10948 Weyburn in Westwood during COVID in 2020, locals were literally devastated. Then came a plucky new contender to fill the historic shoes, Primo’s Donuts. I can personally vouch for how hard this business worked to remain relevant to the community. They frequently sent me information on special promotions and deals they were offering. So it is with a heavy heart that I let you know that, after a little over two years, Primo’s Donuts has closed down this location (Their Sawtelle and Topanga Social locations remain open). Read more about their reasons for the closure here…
If you’ve been paying attention, you know that the stretch of Overland that runs through Palms is getting a major transformation. New, tall multi-use buildings are under construction all along the boulevard. One of these projects, Venue at 3688 Overland, is getting a new neighborhood shop, Millbrook Market. 
Culver City is getting a whole lot sweeter, with the arrival of Handel’s Ice Cream and now this…. There’s a banner up on the space at 3865 Overland announcing a branch of Nothing Bundt Cakes is setting up housekeeping. Nothing Bundt Cakes’ handcrafted ultra moist confections inspire legions of fans. They began in 1997 in Las Vegas and have since expanded to 500 locations.
(Thanks Andrew!)
It appears that bakeshop Peace of Cake will be getting a permanent home in a second-floor kiosk of Westfield Century City, previously occupied by Brique and Brandini Toffee before that. They had a pop-up in this season’s Holiday Market at the shopping center. Peace of Cake offers customizable cakes with various fillings, frostings, and drizzles. Take a peek at their menu below at the Holiday Market to get an idea of the concept. They’re shooting for a Winter 2024 opening in their new location.
The second-floor space next to the AMC Dine-In Theater, at 13455 Maxella Ave Suite 270 in Marina del Rey, has sat empty for quite a while. In another lifetime, I believe it was home to Ra Sushi. But now it appears to be under construction again. A sharp-eyed reader (Thanks Jennifer!) spotted the name of the new eatery on the notice of nonresponsibility taped to the front door. The notice names the new restaurant as NAMOO Korean BBQ. I don’t have any information on this business, so if you know more, pass it along…
At this time of year, I like to pause and express heart-felt appreciation for all who read and support this site. A very special thanks to all who take the time to send tips, emails, and comments. You all make writing this blog worthwhile. As we look forward to another year of LA food scene craziness, I’ll be right there with you as your trusted source for Westside food news. I wish everyone a joyful, prosperous, and delicious 2024!
There’s a small now hiring sign in the window of 1447 Ocean Ave in Downtown Santa Monica, a tiny space most recently occupied by Earthbar. The notice names the new business as Coffee With Creme & Sugar. The website lists a menu of coffee, tea, signature drinks, and sweet treats. 
A sharp-eyed reader (Thanks Dean!) let me know that a new restaurant is taking over the old space that used to house Humble Potato at 8321 Lincoln Blvd. in Westchester. The new signs are already up announcing a branch of HiroNori Craft Ramen. HiroNori has locations throughout California and features proprietary “authentic ramen noodles, stock, and sauce“.
To all my dedicated readers and everyone who visits this site, I wish the best that the Season has to offer. May your Holidays be filled with all manner of delicious things and your celebrations be bright and joyful. I really do appreciate each and every one of you!
And just like that, a new bakery has appeared in Santa Monica. Modern Bread & Bagel has moved into the old Breadblok space at 1511A Montana Ave. Modern Bread & Bagel currently has two locations in New York, and one in The Valley. They specialize in breads and famous bagels that are organic and gluten-free, and also offer a menu of bagel sandwiches, salads, bowls, and breakfast items.
This is a public service announcement: This isn’t exactly news (It happened a short while ago), but people are shocked and still writing me to let me know that Del Frisco’s Grille has vacated their prominent corner spot on the corner of Ocean and Colorado, across from The Santa Monica Pier. With its stunning view, and catering primarily to tourists, Del Frisco’s Grille was known for their good happy hour and for special events. I’ll keep watch on the tricky location to see what may develop.
(Thanks Jonny and others!)
Known for their over 100 flavors of ice cream and yogurt that are made fresh daily at each location, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream has been quietly expanding recently, with locations in Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach, as well as others. Now there’s one more. Readers have been letting me know that there’s a new branch at 4130 Sepulveda Boulevard in Culver City.
(Thanks Andrew!)
This from my inbox:
If you blinked, you probably missed when Roca Pizza was open at 1061 N Swathmore in Pacific Palisades. They were only open about six months. Now the location is getting another pizza restaurant, Jemma Pizzeria. Jemma Pizzeria is another project of Jackson Kalb (Ospi, Jemma di Mare) who spilled the beans to Eater about what to expect.
Tara’s Himalayan Cuisine threw open their doors in July of 2019, at 262 26th St. in Santa Monica, just across from the Brentwood Country Mart. At the time, the introduction of Himalayan food to the tony neighborhood caused quite a stir. Sadly, readers are reporting to me that Tara’s has since disappeared from this location. Apparently, fans can still order from the Venice location.
I must say, this is a bit of shock… Riding the cupcake wave of the early 2000s, Vanilla Bake Shop burst on the scene 16 years ago and quickly became Santa Monica’s go-to spot for baked treats. Sadly, they have quit their longtime location at 512 Wilshire Blvd. A gracious note in the window thanks their customers and introduces a new bakery to take over: The Butter End Cakery. Apparently, the LAX location of Vanilla Bake Shop is still up and running.
Update: The Butter End Cakery is now open at this location. (09/2024)
The corner space at 9601 Brighton Way in Beverly Hills has sat empty ever since celebrity-backed Villa Blanca pulled out over three years ago. But that’s about the change. There’s a banner and an ABC application on the front announcing the impending arrival of Bacari Beverly Hills. Bacari has a smattering of locations in trending areas around LA. They all seem to have slightly different personalities, but the casual concept appears to veer toward Mediterranean.
A sharp-eyed reader (Thanks Trevor!) spotted permits on the old Men’s Wearhouse space at 4325 Glencoe Ave C-3 in the Villa Marina Center. The permits inform us that Starbird Chicken is moving into the address. Their website confirms it. Starbird hails from the Bay Area and has locations in both NoCal and SoCal. They are known for their crispy chicken and in-house sauces.
You already know about the Panera Bread, Rasing Cane’s, and Panda Express that have landed in new development that was originally called the Nash St. Exchange, but appears to have since been renamed Charger’s Commons, on the corner of El Segundo and Nash in El Segundo. And it looks like another dining option is joining the mix. The sign indicates that a branch of popular East Coast chain Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop is also moving in.
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