I heard from a disheartened reader (Thanks Sam!) that beloved coffee, tea, and boba purveyor Percolate had closed up shop from its ghost kitchen location at 11419 Santa Monica in the Sawtelle neighborhood of West LA. But apparently that’s not all. They appear to have closed all their LA locations as well. I’ll keep watching to see what may develop.
I normally don’t continuously post updates about businesses, but there is so much interest in this story that I feel compelled to pass this on. Last week I told you that “lifestyle cafe” Sogno Toscano would be opening this Thursday (July 20th), and that was originally the plan. However, they were able to clear a few of the permits early, so I can pass on this happy news: Sogno Toscano opened as of Tuesday (July 18th) and trust me, you’ll want to get in there before the crowds come.
Cozy brunch/lunch/take-away spot Marmalade Cafe is opening a second branch in Santa Monica. They already have their popular original location that opened on Montana Ave in 1990. Now there’s a banner announcing their impending arrival hanging over the space at 525 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 120 in Downtown Santa Monica, previously home to Sunnin Lebanese Cafe. This will be the eighth branch of the “fresh, high quality, eclectic, California-inspired” cafe.
Update: Marmalade is closing their Montana Ave. store and moving to this location.
Update: Marmalade is now open at this location.
Wow, that took a long time. I first told you about the arrival of “lifestyle cafe, wine bar, & specialty market” Sogno Toscano to 1512 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica almost a year ago, and since then, I’ve been peppered with questions from excited locals about when it would open. While Sogno Toscana (Tuscan Dream) is “USA’s largest Italian online food store”, known for delivery of fine Italian foods, they do operate two lifestyle cafes in New York. This will be The West Coast’s first branch. I had a chance to speak with the people behind the new cafe, who recently let me have a look. While I wasn’t able to take photos due to the fact that they are still unpacking and stocking, I can tell you the space is breathtaking, sort of Tuscany by way of Tulum. Appearing deceptively small from the street, the interior is bright and airy, with light wood, a long deli counter, coffee bar, and wine bar. There is also a large, charming wrap-around patio. They are still finalizing the menu, but you can get an idea of what may be on offer by looking at their West Village location’s menu here. There will also be wine tastings and other events. I can share that Sogno Toscano will officially open on Thursday, July 20th. Hours will be 8am to 10pm. Judging by what I’m hearing, I predict big crowds. You’re welcome….
Cheery lifestyle brand SunLife Organics is bringing their signature message, “to love, heal, and inspire”, to the Good People of Brentwood and Santa Monica. There’s window paper up on a commodious corner space in the Brentwood Town Center on the corner of San Vicente and 26th St. announcing the happy news. Expect a menu of their proprietary juices, shakes, bowls, and coffee/tea.
Since 1967, Beverly Hills’ destination for fine cheese and luxury foods and gifts has been The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills. In a somewhat surprising move, they are changing locations from their charming and cozy current home at 419 N Beverly Dr. to new digs at 9705 S Santa Monica Blvd, across two storefronts. Perhaps those searching for the perfect white truffle will bring more foot traffic to this sleepier part of The Golden Triangle. According to the note on the door, they are currently closed at both locations and will be open (at least for online orders) after July 9.
This is a surprise…. Having long anchored the corner of Lincoln and Montana Ave. in Santa Monica, it appears that icy treat purveyor Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt has unceremoniously disappeared. The space at 732 Montana is largely gutted and there’s a for lease sign up on the front. Not sure what happened to this branch of the popular self-serve yogurt chain, but I’ll keep my eye on the address to see what may develop.
The space at 23725 W. Malibu Rd. in Malibu has sat empty for a very long time. From 1991 until 2005, this location was the home of Wolfgang Puck and Barbara Lazaroff’s Granita. The for lease sign came down a while ago, but I didn’t have details of the new tenant. Recently, signs have gone up informing us that this will be a branch of breezy French charmer Zinqué. Seems like a perfect fit…
Good People of Brentwood, you’re about to be spoiled for choice when it comes to wine, beer, and spirits. A sharp-eyed reader noticed the ABC application on the front of the cavernous old CVS space at 12015 Wilshire Blvd. The application spills the beans that Brentwood will be getting its verey own location of retail alcohol superstore Total Wine & More.
(Thanks John!)
Local java darling Boulon D’Amour is heading to Beverly Hills. There’s a sign up already at 319 N Canon Dr, formerly home to Le Mervetty French Pastry Shop. Boulon D’Amour (which translates from French as “bolt of love”) currently has two other locations, including their charming first shop on Washington Blvd. Expect a menu of various coffees, teas, signature drinks, and toasts.
This from my inbox:
“Levain Bakery, the wildly popular bakery that was founded in NYC is opening on SATURDAY, JUNE 24th! At 8:00am the bakery will celebrate its grand opening with a team ribbon cutting. The first 100 people in line will receive a special Levain Bakery Larchmont Village tote with bakery swag. Throughout opening day, there will be activities for families to enjoy, such as balloon twisting and face painting. The proceeds from Levain Bakery Larchmont’s opening day will be donated to Alexandria House – a transitional home for women and children located in Wilshire Center.”
Sad news for Westwood Village… Los Angeles’ last outpost of vegan eatery Native Foods is closing today (June 23). A somber note on the front expresses gratitude and announces the permanent departure from their long-held address at 1114 Gayley Ave. There is a glimmer of hope though: The note also says that they are searching for a new Westwood location. We wish them the best of luck. Until then, if you’re missing their signature plant-based sandwiches, you can still find locations in San Diego, Orange County, and Palm Springs.
(Thank you Leslie!)
Talented confectionary specialist Ivory Ventura bakes spectacular custom cakes for special occasions. Her Yelp page is full of rave reviews from satisfied fans. Now she is getting a brick-and-mortar to display her craft. There’s a large banner of the front of a space in the new development on the corner of Olympic and Butler in the Sawtelle neighborhood of West LA announcing the arrival of Ivory’s Bake Shop. We wish her the best of luck…
I first told you about Strings Ramen, the Chicago-based Japanese concept, back in early 2021, when it began to take form at 255 S Beverly Dr in Beverly Hills. It was open briefly but is now closed again. A note in the window lets us know that this is a temporary closure and that they will be “upgrading to a Curry House”. Looks like they’re aiming for an August re-opening.
Planet Smoothie made a brief appearance at 193 1/2 S Beverly Dr. in Beverly Hills, then unceremoniously disappeared. Now the address is getting a new tenant. Window paper is up announcing the arrival of Sweetfin. Sweetfin describes itself as a “healthful, chef-driven, California-inspired poke and plant-based bowl concept” that has locations throughout SoCal.
Congratulations Good People of Beverly Hills, fresh warm carbs are heading your way! There’s window paper up on the space at 447 N Beverly Dr announcing the arrival of Pop’s Bagels. With three other locations, Pop’s Bagels has become a sensation known for their three flavors of bagels (plain, everything, and cinnamon raisin) that are made in small batches throughout the day ensuring crispy, hot perfection. They also make their own cream cheeses and cultured butter from scratch.
This from my inbox:
“SpinPR Group is proud to announce the first ever Rosé on Rose Wine Fest, a progressive rosé crawl and street fest in Venice taking place on Saturday, June 10, 2023 in celebration of National Rosé Day. Attendees can celebrate all things rosé and gain access to exclusive rosé and rose-inspired offers from Rose Avenue’s top restaurants and retailers along a select stretch of Rose Avenue. From 12-5pm, guests (who are encouraged to don pink apparel) can peruse inside, and on the patios of participating businesses and indulge in an elaborate array of rosé tastings, live entertainment, photo ops, local art, vendors, and a pink disco recovery lounge.
Participating locations of Rosé on Rose include a who’s who of Venice’s finest restaurants and businesses, including American Beauty, Big Red Sun, Café Gratitude, Chulita, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Parachute, Rose Room, The Rose Venice, Wabi on Rose, Venice Beach Wines, and Yanapuma Shop.
The in-advance $20 General Admission ticket includes a wristband that offers access to discounted food and drink specials such as $7 rosés at participating businesses, music, games, activities, vendors, art and entrance into the official after party at Rose Room (5-7pm). For more information on tickets and a full list of exclusive offers for Rosé on Rose festival goers, visit http://roseonrose.eventbrite.com.”
It saddens me to see Westside time-honored institutions close. It can feel like the end of a classic era. Sadly, it appears that Da Pasquale Trattoria has left their commodious home at 9749 S Santa Monica Blvd in Beverly Hills. A gracious note on the front door doesn’t give a reason but expresses gratitude and love to its loyal customers for the last 35 years. Thanks for the memories…
(Thanks Eric!)
Another sad closure on Montana Ave… Le Macaron burst onto the scene at 1301 Montana Ave back in 2017. At the time, this was LA’s first branch of the Florida-based chain and they introduced The Westside to their excellent selection of pastries, breads, chocolates, and coffees. Shocked readers have been writing to tell me they have now closed up shop after a truly valiant effort. If you’re missing their signature classic macarons, you can find other LA locations here.
About a year and a half ago, I told you about the appearance of Brique French Toastery on the ground floor of The Westfield Century City Shopping Center, directly underneath Del Frisco’s. They recently gave up that location, but all is not lost. They will be moving to a new location on the second floor, near Din Tai Fun. Until then, Brique has a temporary space in a kiosk near California Pizza Kitchen where you can still get your hands on their proprietary “Rock Toast” (thick cut brioche French toast topped with proprietary peanut butter coconut maple syrup, toasted coconut chips, and vanilla whipped cream).
Toddrickallen 