East Valley Kitchen Coming To Montecito

Posted on February 22, 2023 by toddrickallen

Like many in LA, Santa Barbara is one of my preferred destinations for a quick weekend getaway. And while the restaurant scene is constantly evolving there (Hello? A wildly popular new L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele?), I’m sure that we all have our tried-and-true classics that we return to time and time again. With its romantic fireplace patio, one hidden gem that was a favorite of the graying Hollywood set for years was Italian eatery Piatti at 516A San Yisidro Rd. in Montecito’s Upper Village. Sadly, that closed down a few years ago and was replaced by a wine bistro, also now closed. Now there is an ABC application on the front announcing that a new restaurant is moving into the cozy, nostalgic space. There doesn’t seem to be much information yet on East Valley Kitchen (except this little tidbit), but I’m hoping they keep that back patio.

Bubbletopia LA, Dogbite Gourmet Hot Dogs Quit Downtown Santa Monica

Posted on February 20, 2023 by toddrickallen

The troubled Market Pavillion at 1260 Third St. Promenade has had its share of tenants, from magazine stands to coffee shops. I first told you about two eateries moving in challenging location back in early 2022. Sadly, it appears that Bubbletopia LA and Dogbite Gourmet Hotdogs have now abandoned the address. I’ll keep my eyes on the tricky space to see what courageous contender will give it a try…

The Skinny on Farmesa, Coming To Downtown Santa Monica

Posted on February 17, 2023 by toddrickallen

A few weeks back, when I told you about the lineup of eateries coming to ghost kitchen Kitchen United MIX, (formerly The Gallery Food Hall) at 1315 Third St Promenade in Downtown Santa Monica, I included links to each listed restaurant… except one. At the time, I couldn’t find any information about Farmesa. But just this week, details began to trickle in. According to this Forbes article, Farmesa is a new fast/casual concept from none other than Chipotle Mexican Grill that will offer bowls with proteins, grains, greens, sauces, and toppings. The menu is curated by famous chef and cookbook author Nate Appleman, whose CV includes San Francisco’s A16 and SPQR. It looks like they’re shooting for a February opening.

Rosti Tuscan Kitchen Now Open In Brentwood

Posted on February 15, 2023 by toddrickallen

Well that certainly took a long time… I first told you that Santa Monica’s popular Italian staple Rosti Tuscan Kitchen was opening another location in Brentwood almost two years ago. Since then, people have been demanding answers. While I’m not certain as to what caused the delay, I can tell you that they have recently opened for business at 11740 San Vicente Blvd. Suite 104, in what had once been an outpost of Industry darling La Scala. I’m told the menu is the same as the Montana Ave. location.

(Thanks Eric!)

Panda Express Coming To Santa Monica

Posted on February 13, 2023 by toddrickallen

The shopping center on the Southwest corner of Lincoln and Pico is a very busy place. It caters to a steady stream of students pouring out of nearby SaMo High. Already stacked with fast food options, a new contender appears to be moving in soon. A banner over the space at 1902 Lincoln Suite B is announcing a branch of “American Chinese” restaurant chain Panda Express.

The Auld Fella Set To Breathe New Life Into Brentwood’s Bar Scene

Posted on February 11, 2023 by toddrickallen

You may recall that the Pandemic Closures hit bars particularly hard, and Brentwood’s local watering hole Bru Haus at 11831 Wilshire Blvd. was no exception: It closed in 2020. Then it appeared that the location was going to get an island-themed restaurant named Morabeza, but that never materialized. Now there’s a new ABC application posted on the front listing the new tenant as The Auld Fella. The Auld Fella describes itself as “an Irish joint” and currently has a location in Culver City. Hopefully their arrival will bring new life to Brentwood’s once-thriving bar scene.

(Thanks John!

Pinkberry Now Dishing Icy Treats In El Segundo

Posted on February 8, 2023 by toddrickallen

And while we’re on the subject of icy treats… You may be inclined to believe that the frozen yogurt craze of a few years back is long over, and you’d probably be right. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t still vestiges. Never count out one of the originators of the fad, Pinkberry. A new outpost has popped up in El Segundo, at 730A S Allied Way, in The Works shopping center.

Yogurtland Bids Adieu To Brentwood

Posted on February 6, 2023 by toddrickallen

I’m hearing from readers that Brentwood’s beloved icy treat shop Yogurtland appears to have vacated its longtime location at 11706 San Vicente Blvd. I’m not sure what happened, but as real estate prices rise, the busy retail and food section along San Vicente appears to be undergoing a transformation. Kreation recently skedaddled, and so did Hollywood old school fave Vicenti, both with big splashy replacements on the way. I’ll keep my eye on the space to see what may develop.

(Thanks Stephen!)

Goop Kitchen Is Now In El Segundo

Posted on February 4, 2023 by toddrickallen

“Certified Clean” ghost kitchen concept Goop Kitchen is now in El Segundo, at 710 South Allied Way in The Works shopping center, or more specifically, the recently christened The Works Food Hall. In case you live under a rock, Goop is the “modern lifestyle brand” created by Gwyneth Paltrow. Goop Kitchen offers a clean-food take-away menu of bowls, salads, handhelds, and more.

Wingstop Coming To Rancho Park

Posted on February 1, 2023 by toddrickallen

A new fast-food option is landing in Rancho Park in West LA. There’s a banner up on the space at 11201 National Blvd. announcing that a branch of poultry purveyor Wingstop in taking over the space. The strip mall where the address is located, at the corner of National and Sepulveda, has long been the home of another fan favorite Hamburger Habbit.

The Kitchen United MIX Food Lineup In Downtown Santa Monica

Posted on January 30, 2023 by toddrickallen

News has been slowly dripping out on the latest batch of contenders in the saga of the Kitchen United MIX (formerly The Gallery Food Hall) at 1315 Third St Promenade in Downtown Santa Monica. I’ve already told you about Duck Donuts and Santa Monica Brew Works, but now we have more news because of a sign that recently went up on the front. Here’s the impressive lineup: Lolo’s Tacos, Calico Fish House, 101 Burger, Mad Scientist Ice Cream, Go Go Ya, Ms. Cluck’s Deluxe Chicken & Dumplings, Farmesa, and breakfast experts Blu Jam Xpress.

Irvins Brings Famed Singaporean Umami Snacks To Century City

Posted on January 27, 2023 by toddrickallen

Looking for something fresh and new to snack on? Irvins has you covered! There is now a kiosk on the first floor of The Westfield Century City Shopping Center selling their proprietary nibbles. Irvins is a smash hit in its native Singapore, across Asia, and elsewhere. They have been called an “international phenomenon” with designs on the American market. And what exactly is it? Salted duck egg potato chips and salmon skins. Yup. Check out their website to learn more about the company’s history and how they make their snacks. And now that you know this, you know you have to try them…

The Full Skinny On Bar Monette, Downtown Santa Monica’s Newest “Refined Tapas” Spot

Posted on January 25, 2023 by toddrickallen

Remember a few weeks ago when I told you about a new restaurant landing in the old Red Ruby space at 109 Santa Monica Blvd? At the time, I had little information about Bar Monette except that it would be a pizza and wine bar. Since then, the good people over at Bar Monette were kind enough to reach out to me with more information. Bar Monette is described as a “Neapolitan pizza concept” with Chef Sean MacDonald at the helm. This is his first US restaurant. Chef MacDonald was previously chef/owner of Biga Pies and ēst Restaurant in Toronto, which recently made Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants List. (Incidentally, Bar Monette is named after MacDonald’s wife Monette.) Expect a “refined tapas” and wine bar menu with Spanish/Italian influences. I’ll let them describe the menu themselves:

“The menu will be split into five categories; Pizza (eg Pesto Dungeness Crab, Pine Nut, Basil, Aged Cheese), Piccoli Piatti (small plates designed to pair with the pizza eg. Butterleaf with Basil, Pine Nut and Passionfruit), Sugo (a selection of sauces and dips for the crusts (eg Burnt Romanesco and Jalapeño Tonnato) and a small selection of Addizionale (eg Shaved Truffle and Caviar). Desserts will be changed daily depending on seasonality and chef preference (eg Black Cacao, Reishi Mushroom and Mint). The menu will change seasonally and offer vegan and vegetarian options. The drinks menu will offer unique selection of natural wines and beers alongside a water menu highlighting a choice of carbonation level and mineral content.”

They are planning on opening any day now, pending liquor license approval. Bar Monette will be open for walk-ins only from Noon to Midnight, closed Sundays, and will be cashless. We wish them the best of luck.

Lucky Tocoshi Now Serving Sushi Tacos In Century City

Posted on January 23, 2023 by toddrickallen

There’s an intriguing new option in the Food Court of the Westfield Century City Shopping Center. Lucky Tacoshi is now open and in full swing, serving “Asian Fusion” sushi tacos made with seaweed shells. Also on the menu are chicken karage tacos, various skewers, snacks, and desserts. But you can see for yourself here.

Standing’s Butchery Is Coming To Venice At Last

Posted on January 20, 2023 by toddrickallen

The news was first reported on this two years ago. And then nothing happened. But just this week, an ABC application has appeared on the front of the space at 202 Main St. in Venice confirming that Melrose’s Standing’s Butchery IS moving into the address after all. This means Standing’s selection of ethically sourced local meats, with burgers and beer and wine, but you can read the full skinny on what this will mean for the Seaside Neighborhood on Eater’s original story here.

Flower Child Uprooted In Downtown Santa Monica

Posted on January 18, 2023 by toddrickallen

I’m hearing from many of you who are really not that surprised that Santa Monica’s branch of Fox Restaurant Concepts‘ Flower Child appears caput at 1332 Second Street in Downtown Santa Monica. You may recall, Flower Child started spreading their good vibes back in 2016 with a sunny menu aimed at the health conscious. I’m not sure what may have gone wrong, but I’ll keep my eye on the space to see what will develop.

Bun & Mi Bringing “Fresh Asian Fusion” To Montana Ave.

Posted on January 13, 2023 by toddrickallen

For much of 2022, Montana Ave. was buzzing about a new Asian eatery landing on the tony avenue in Santa Monica, but few details emerged. Now we know exactly what’s coming. Billing itself as “Fresh Asian Fusion”, Bun & Mi will officially soft open on Monday Jan. 16th at 1004 Montana. Look for a menu of banh mi, salad bowls, rice and noodle bowls, spring rolls and more, with take away and limited seating options. If you order online, you will 15% off your first order with code word WELCOME. We wish them the best of luck.

Dunkin’ Donuts Opens Today In Westwood Village

Posted on January 12, 2023 by toddrickallen

Every once in a while, I’m surprised by the number of people tracking a seemingly innocuous story. This is one of those times. So, for all you have been wondering when the Dunkin’ Donuts would be opening in Westwood, this is for you: Dunkin’ Donuts officially throws open its doors today at 9am at 1001 Gayley in Westwood Village. (Thursday 01/12/2023) You’re Welcome.

Wrapstar Replacing Make Out In Culver City

Posted on January 10, 2023 by toddrickallen

A very sharp-eyed reader spotted a banner hanging over the former Make Out spot at 9426 Washington Blvd, behind The Culver Hotel. The banner lets us know that Wrapstar is setting up housekeeping at this address. Wrapstar has a location in Beverly Hills and offers a menu of fast/casual “signature and build-your-own wraps” and salads. They are also opening another location at 8593 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood.

(Thanks Andrew!)

Ma’am’s International Foods’ New Location In Santa Monica

Posted on January 7, 2023 by toddrickallen

As you might know, sourcing quality Thai and Asian ingredients can be really difficult on The Westside. The preeminant destination for groceries and culinary advice has been the delightful Ma’am’s International Foods. If you don’t know about Ma’am’s, it is your one-stop shop for a carefully curated selection of Asian groceries, cooking school, deli and take-away, and encyclopedic culinary wisdom freely displensed by an affable Ma’am herself. So I was in shock recently when I went by their location near the corner of Pico and 23rd and noticed that they had cleared out. But we can all breathe a sigh of relief. Ma’am’s has only just moved and is open at their new address at 306 Pico Blvd in Santa Monica.

Toddrickallen

The Westside at Its Finest

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