Category Archives: News

Matū Bringing Steak Perfection To Brentwood

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It appears the people behind Beverly Hills’ popular sophisticated steakhouse Matū are bringing their passion for exceptional beef to Brentwood.  A sharp-eyed reader (Thanks Jack!) noticed an ABC application on the front of a former men’s clothing store at 11777 San Vicente Blvd. Ste 134, just to the right of Katsuya.  While the application doesn’t give away the business name, the applicant is Grass Fed Wagyu LLC, the parent company behind the stylish steakhouse.  The online application does appear to confirm that this will be the location of a new Matū.  Construction is underway, so an opening may be a way off, but until then, read about restauranteur Jerry Greenberg‘s (UOVO, SUGARFISH, HiHo Cheeseburger) pursuit of steak perfection here.  

Baskin-Robbins Coming To West LA

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Ice Cream people, you’re in luck.  A brand-new branch of old school ice cream brand Baskin-Robbins is opening in the strip mall at 11870 Santa Monica Blvd. (near Bundy).  Baskin-Robbins began life in 1945 in Glendale offering 31 flavors.  It has since spread to over 2,400 US locations, and according to the website, 1,400 flavors are now on offer.

Fratelli Cafe Coming To MDR

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In yet more Italian news….  Window paper is up on the old Cafe Buna space at 552 Washington Blvd. in Marina del Rey informing us that Fratelli Cafe is taking up housekeeping at this address.  The “casual upscale cafe” specializes in breakfast and lunch and has another location on Melrose.

(Thanks Trevor!)

Great White Sighting In Brentwood

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A sharp-eyed reader (Thanks Michael!) noticed an ABC application on a not-easy-to-spot build-out in Brentwood.  It appears to reveal that breezy coffee and casual dining spot Great White is setting up housekeeping at 11660 Darlington Ave, right behind A.O.C.   Great White bills itself as an “all day cafe” at its three other choice locations across LA, and offers a menu of breakfast, sandwiches, bowls, share plates, and pizza that you can check out here.

Tsukiji Gindaco Sakaba Coming To Sawtelle Japantown

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There’s window paper up on the old Sunmerry Bakery spot at 2129 Sawtelle Blvd. in Sawtelle Japantown.  It appears to show that a new Izakaya-style restaurant, Tsukiji Gindaco Sakaba, is taking up residence.  Also known simply as Gindaco, they have locations in Japan and Gardena and offer what they describe as “Nippon fast food”, perhaps in the form of takoyaki, or fried balls of dough containing octopus.

Fogo De Chão, Gott’s Roadside Coming To Downtown Santa Monica

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Imagine my surprise when I looked at an official City website listing changes to Downtown Santa Monica and noticed two names on the list of which I was unaware.  The first of these was popular Brazilian carnivore paradise Fogo De Chão.  A little more digging revealed a trade website that appears to confirm that the churrasco steakhouse is moving into the old Del Frisco’s Grille location at 1551 Ocean Ave, a prime address facing the iconic Santa Monica Pier.  The second surprise on the list is Napa Valley institution Gott’s Roadside.  While I have a few suspicions, I am unable to confirm the address for Gott’s.  If you have answers, let me know.

Wild Fork Coming To Venice

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It appears a “high-quality meat and seafood” purveyor is moving a location into the cavernous space that previously was a hot yoga studio at 2570 Lincoln Blvd. (corner of Washington) in Venice.  Wild Fork has locations across the US and offers a wide selection of products for pick up or delivery.  It looks like they’re planning on an August 28 Grand Opening.

(Thanks Jeff!)

All Roads Nearly Open In Brentwood Village

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When I originally posted about a new Italian venture with Toscana alum on board, at 145 S Barrington Ave. in Brentwood Village, the name on the ABC application listed the new eatery as Nuvola.  Since then, signs have gone up on the space announcing the name as All Roads.  The new “Roman inspired eatery and wine bar” will be open every day from 11AM to 10PM.  It looks like they’re close to opening.  Until then, check out their menu of pinsa and salads here.

(Thanks Susan!)

Triple Beam Pizza Opens Today In Santa Monica

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Nancy Silverton and Matt Molina’s SUPER-anticipated Roman-style pizza restaurant is set to throw open its doors at their new location in Santa Monica.  Excited readers are rushing to tell me that, after a long delay, notices are up on the front of the new Triple Beam Pizza, at 2905 Main St., announcing the opening at 11AM today (June 20).  This is their fourth location.  Expect such beauties as roasted fennel & sausage with goat cheese, Korean BBQ chicken bulgogi, and roasted spring corn ezquite.  You’re welcome.

R.I.P. Santa Monica’s Gallery Food Hall….

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I’ve been covering the story of Santa Monica’s long-suffering food hall, The Gallery at 1315 3rd Street Promenade, for years.  It was a Promenade fast food sanctuary for a while, then and upscale destination including David Beran’s Dialogue, and in its last gasp, a ghost kitchen.  Now it is empty.  A sharp-eyed reader noticed a new ABC application in the window.  Sadly, The Gallery will no longer be exclusively a dining destination.  Holey Moley, which is an indoor miniature golf concept with a bar is moving in.  This will be LA’s first location.  Read more about this mysterious newcomer here.

(Thanks Jordan!)

Ettore Bringing Organic Food & Wine To The Original Farmers Market

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Something new is coming to The Original Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax.  There are banners up on a space on the south side of the Market announcing the arrival of Ettore Organic Food & Wine Osteria.  Ettore Winery hails from Mendocino where it produces an “organic and terroir-driven range” of wines and olive oil.  They appear to be branching out into food as this one is promising us an osteria.  Read more about Ettore‘s arrival to Mendocino from Europe here.  

Turn Dough Coming To Downtown Santa Monica

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Pink signs are up on the space at 215 Broadway in Downtown Santa Monica announcing the arrival of Turn Dough.  The address was previously the longtime home of hostel favorite breakfast spot Interactive Cafe.  Turn Dough has two other LA locations (Venice and Hollywood) and offers a menu where “European traditions merge seamlessly with American creativity”.  Look for “18 signature Chimney cakes with Soft Serve Gelato… Milkshakes, refreshing Dole Whip, irresistible Homemade French Crepes, heavenly Belgian Waffles, and a delightful selection of espresso”.

Night Market At The Bungalow Bringing Summer Fun To Santa Monica

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This from my inbox… Just in time for summer.  Night Market at the Bungalow began this week and will run every Thursday this summer from 5pm to 11pm until August 29.  This event is free and open to the public and is promising “delectable cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails, live music, and vibrant ambiance”.  Check out the list of vendors here.  The Bungalow is at 101 Wilshire Blvd. in Downtown Santa Monica.  

Jinky’s Replacing The Independence In Downtown Santa Monica

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Neighborhood fave Jinky’s Cafe has had a presence in Santa Monica for a while.  First as a solid breakfast spot and then as a coffeeshop.  Both locations have been abandoned, but fans of Jinky’s are in luck.  The awnings are already up on the prominent corner spot at 205 Broadway in Downtown Santa Monica, previously home to The Independence, announcing the arrival of Jinky’s to this location.  Jinky’s has five other locations across LA, and this one will offer all-day dining with beer, wine, and cocktails.

Bruxie Coming To Westwood Village

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It’s been about a year since I told you about the closure of vegan eatery Native Foods, at 1114 Gayley Ave. in Westwood Village.  The space is about to get a new tenant.  There are posters in the window letting us know that Bruxie is setting up housekeeping at this location.  Bruxie is known for their signature chicken and waffles, but they also offer sandwiches, salads, frozen custard, and sweet waffle sandwiches.  The expanding chain has locations throughout SoCal and a couple in Georgia.

What’s Coming To Century City?

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In case you haven’t been in The Westfield Century City Shopping Center recently, here’s what’s on the way…  Not far from the new Pret on the ground floor, a new Läderach is being installed.  Läderach is a Swiss company founded in 1970 that focuses on chocolate that uses the best responsibly sourced ingredients.  On the second floor, where Pink Taco once stood, Georgia-based Rumi’s Kitchen promises “the essence of Persian hospitality” by the Summer.  And over in the food court, Anthony Anderson and Cedric The Entertainer’s AC Barbeque has long been in the works.

Presotea Coming To West Edge, West LA

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There’s window paper on one of the spaces in the retail section of the massive new West Edge development at 12121 W Olympic Blvd, near the flashy new Gelson’s, announcing the arrival of Presotea.  Presotea is a brand from Taiwan that boasts some very impressive numbers: over 400 stores in over 50 cities worldwide with over 3,000 employees.  Look for a menu of handcrafted milk teas, fruit teas, blended drinks, and coffees.

Tacomasa Taqueria Coming To El Segundo

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More food options for the busy aerospace crowds in El Segundo…  Window paper is up at 2149 E El Segundo Blvd Ste. E, in the Chargers Commons development, announcing a branch of Tacomasa Taqueria.  Tacomasa has two other locations (Long Beach and Cypress) and promises “authentic Tijuana tacos”, as well as burritos, mulitas, and tortas.

LA Sushi Co Coming To Brentwood

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It looks like the good people of Brentwood are getting a fresh new dining option.  Window paper is up on the space at 11753 San Vicente Blvd, once home to Moo Greek Yogurt, announcing the arrival of LA Sushi Co.   LA Sushi Co has locations in local event stadiums, so it appears this will be their first standalone brick-and-mortar.