A Message From Toddrickallen…

It’s been so deeply painful to witness the devastation to our community and others over the past week.  My heart aches for those who have lost so much.  The sadness hangs in the air as thickly as the smoke.  But so does resiliency.  I’m buoyed by the fortitude and determination to rebuild and to assist.  I have an immense amount of appreciation and gratitude for first responders who tirelessly risk their own lives.  I will be back with more content soon, but right now my attention is on helping my community begin to heal.  Please consider making donations to organizations that are on the ground right now, such as World Central Kitchen and the American Red Cross.  Be safe over the next few days.

Update:  Read Derek’s comment below for more ways to donate.

Pura Vida Miami Coming To Beverly Hills?

A reader has done some detective work and believes he has uncovered that Florida health and wellness brand Pura Vida Miami is moving into the former home of The Farm of Beverly Hills, at 439 N Beverly Dr.  While I cannot absolutely confirm this, the recent window paper, which doesn’t name the new business, does contain the phrases “Another Day in Paradise”, “Health is Happiness”, and “From Miami with Love”.  These phrases point to Pura Vida‘s mission statement on their website.  What Now Los Angeles also has this story about a Malibu location.  If true, these would be the first West Coast outposts for the healthy eatery.

(Thanks MC!)

Le Cafe De La Plage Expanding On Montana Ave.

The Good People of Santa Monica love an outdoor cafe.  Along Montana Ave., La La Land, Sogno Toscano, Bardonna, and M&D Margos are packed virtually all day long.  Another success story is French charmer Le Cafe de la Plage, at 1301 Montana Ave.  They recently expanded their outdoor seating area, and now it appears they are also taking over the adjacent storefront at 1303 Montana, most recently home to lauded raw seafood purveyor Savida.

Happy New Year from Toddrickallen!

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 2025! 

Voodoo Donuts Opening On Melrose

A sharp-eyed reader has been busy uncovering what is taking over the space that used to be home to a Chipotle, on the corner of LaBrea and Melrose, next door to legendary Pink’s Hot Dogs.  An Instagram teaser appears to spill the beans that cult fave bakeshop Voodoo Donuts will be setting up housekeeping at 7101 Melrose.   Voodoo Donuts began in Portland in 2003, and has since grown to 19 locations across seven states.  They have garnered a lot of media attention and are known for “imaginative and distinctive doughnut flavors“.

(Thanks Lily!)

New Year’s Eve Pub Crawl

This from my inbox:

New Years Eve Pub Crawl

Tue., Dec. 31 / Various Santa Monica Bars / 6pm-2am / $20+

Say goodbye to boring and hello to a night filled with VIP treatment, exclusive drink specials, and a whole lot of fun!

Spend the night hopping between the hottest bars in Santa Monica with VIP entry and drink deals as low as $4 drafts and 2-for-1 premiums & champagnes! 

Here’s the scoop: Registration: 6-10pm @ Barney’s Beanery or Jameson’s Pub, party till 2am, free entry to multiple hotspots, VIP access to exclusive after-party, unforgettable happy hours, no cover charges, and deals all night!

Whether you’re a local or just here to party, we’ve got the best NYE plans!

Tickets and more information here.

Changes In Downtown Culver City

A concerned reader messaged me about some prominent closures along Culver Blvd. in Downtown Culver City.   Chipotle, Sweet Lily, Shake Shack have vacated their respective locations.  Janga by Derrick’s is also gone.  Not sure what happened (except for Shake Shack, which you can read about here), but their disappearance leaves some gaping holes in a normally busy dining scene.

(Thaks Mitch!)

Crust & Crave Coming To Beverly Center

There’s plywood up on one of the sixth-floor spaces, next to Macy’s, in the beloved shopping paradise Beverly Center.  Written in clear cursive is the name Crust & Crave.  If you go to the Beverly Center website, there’s little description except for a picture of a sandwich.  The website given links to a food court development.  If you have more information, let me know…

Bread + Butter Bringing Pastry And Coffee From Australia To Santa Monica Soon

It appears a new Australian bakeshop is making its first US appearance.  There’s a notice up on the space that used to be the location for a short-lived GGET, at 2645 Main St. in Santa Monica, announcing the arrival of Bread + Butter.  While I don’t have much information on this business, they do have three locations in Tasmania and their website confirms this location.  What will be on offer?   Exceptional “fresh pastries + sourdough bread every day” using 100% cultured butter. 

Fitoor (Finally) Opens In Santa Monica On…

inally)Ever since I first told you about an exciting new Indian concept moving into the old Herringbone space at 1755 Ocean Ave Ste 103 in Santa Monica, I have been peppered with questions about an opening date.  I have it on good authority that Fitoor will soft open with “limited seating” on Monday, December 9th.  With another location in San Jose, Fitoor (Hindi for ‘Passion’) is the highly anticipated restaurant from the tech people behind San Fransisco’s buzzy Rooh.  Read my original story here for more information. 

Palms N’ Patties Opening A Storefront In Santa Monica

Another new eatery is landing in the new shopping center that was formerly a bank on the corner of Wilshire and Berkeley in Santa Monica, the same shopping center (3032 Wilshire) that is home to Oakberry Acai and delightful Portuguese egg tart purveyor Paderia.  Their new neighbor will be Palms n’ Patties.  And what is that?  Their menu appears to be straightforward burgers and fries.

Happy Thanksgiving From Toddrickallen!

I’d like to take this moment to thank all my dedicated readers and everyone who visits this site and wish all a very Happy Thanksgiving.  I’m so very grateful to you for giving me the inspiration and support to keep exploring the excitement of the LA food scene.  May your Holiday be a warm celebration filled with great food, family and friends, fun!

pie

Mochidoki Quits Montana Ave.

I first caught wind a New York-based “high-quality mochi ice cream” shop was opening its first West Coast location back in May of 2023.  It took a long time (this is Santa Monica after all), but Mochidoki finally threw open their doors at 1133 Montana Ave in August of last year.  Sadly, after a little more than a year, it appears Mochidoki has closed up shop at this location.  If you’ve become a fan, you can still find their icy treats at the locations listed s on the poster below.

Doner Corner Coming To Brentwood

The space at 11916 Wilshire in Brentwood has gone through a number of incarnations over the last few years.  Most recently it was The Upper Crust Pizza.  Before that it was a French restaurant, and before that another pizzeria.  But now a new name has gone up on the iconic sign: Doner Corner is moving in and refurbishing the space.  Promising “the true essence of Turkish cuisine”, you can expect a menu of doner, falafel, kibbeh, hummus, and more.

Ghirardelli Opening Ceremony With Free Sundaes On Wednesday

Well, that didn’t take long…  It was about a month-and-a-half ago that I told you about the arrival of San Francisco chocolatier Ghirardelli to the space at 1541 Ocean Ave. in Downtown Santa Monica.  Wasting no time whatsoever, they will be hosting the opening ceremony of the new “Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop” on Wednesday November 20, with a ribbon cutting at 1pm.  The first 100 guests will receive a “World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae”.

Chagee Modern Tea House Coming To Century City

A new beverage company is throwing their hat into the ring of the constantly evolving restaurant scene at the Westfield Century City Shopping Center. There’s plywood up on the space just to the left of the upcoming Rumi’s Kitchen announcing the arrival of Chagee Moderrn Tea HouseChagee (pronounced CHAH-jee) was founded in Yunnan in 2017 and has since spread to over 5,000 stores worldwide with the most being in Malaysia.  This location is part of an expansion into the US.  They are apparently famous for their milk tea, as well as other drinks, and their Dior-esque packaging.  Look for a Spring 2025 opening.   Until then, you can read more about the company here.

What’s Going On At Ingo’s Tasty Diner?

Local laid-back neighborhood spot Ingo’s Tasty Diner, at 1213 Wilshire in Santa Monica, has been closed for years.  What was expected to be a quick remodel started… and then completely stopped.  Over a year ago, a new spate of construction prompted me to write an update.  Not much happened after that and many believed that the project was dead.  Recently however, there is renewed activity.  As you may recall, Ingo’s has taken over the old Vienna Bakery space next door. Window paper has gone up with images of New York, LA, and even Julia Child, and there is a paper in one of the windows with the name Diner AntonetteLGO Hospitality Group (the parent company for Ingo’s, The Misfit, Luggage Room Pizza, and others) is still behind the project, and the website promises a return of Ingo’s Tasty Diner.  Why the delay?  I’m told that parts of the building are historic and complicated the permit process.  But now construction is fast and furious (although they appear to have a way to go) and I’m also told they are hoping to be open by “The Holidays”.

Mikomi Sushi Replacing Lotus Dim Sum In Downtown Santa Monica

Ever since well-regarded Lotus Dim Sum Dumpling House ended its short life in the old P.F. Chang’s space on the corner of Wilshire and 4th in Downtown Santa Monica, people have been peppering me with questions about what was taking over.  Construction began very quickly, and just last week, window paper went up announcing the new tenant.   Mikomi Sushi was founded in Monrovia in 2007 with a mission to “provide food made with quality ingredients and equally quality service”.  They offer a solid menu of sushi, sashimi, and rolls.  This will be their third location, and they are aiming for an opening in early 2025.