Sotto’s Italian Wine Tasting Series…

Posted on August 9, 2013 by toddrickallen

Have you noticed how Italy has conquered the wine lists of LA? They’re everywhere. And with so many varietals, ordering a bottle of Italian wine can be a head-scratcher unless you’re an expert. Now’s your chance to become one. Sotto restaurant is hosting a series of “intimate wine tastings” from the regions of Southern Italy on the second Wednesday of each month. The series kicks off on Wednesday August 14th at 6:30 with an exploration of the Basilicata region. Cost is $40 and if you stay for dinner and order one of the wines tasted, they’ll give you 50% off the bottle. Make a reservation by calling (310) 277-0210. Read more here.

The Beverly Hills Hotel’s Cabana Café Free Pizza Deal

Posted on August 7, 2013 by toddrickallen

What could be more a more quintessential LA experience than sipping a cocktail and nibbling on lunch poolside at the Cabana Café in the famed Beverly Hills Hotel? The iconic café has just emerged from a renovation, and to celebrate it’s re-opening, the Cabana Café is offering a complimentary wood-fired pizza with the purchase of two specialty cocktails from 4pm to 7pm Monday to Thursday, throughout the month of August. What a perfect way to make the most of Summer. Read more about the deal and check out their menus here.

Spumoni Cafe and Pizzeria Closed In Brentwood

Posted on August 3, 2013 by toddrickallen

Perhaps due to stiff competition from the 28,000 other Italian restaurants in Brentwood, it looks like Spumoni Cafe and Pizzeria, the offshoot of ever-popular local fave Spumoni in Santa Monica has closed at 11714 San Vicente. Although it appears to have been closed for a little while now, the papered-over windows only recently caught my eye. No word on a replacement yet…

PizzaRev Now Open In El Segundo

Posted on August 1, 2013 by toddrickallen

With three locations in the Valley, and more on the way in Burbank and Oxnard, “Craft Your Own” pizza restaurant PizzaRev rides the crest of the “custom-built” craze with the opening today (Thursday) of their newest location in El Segundo at 460 N. Sepulveda Blvd Read more about the ambitious chain here: pizzarev.com.

New Rockenwagner Restaurant Coming To West LA?

Posted on July 31, 2013 by toddrickallen

The liquor license application recently posted in the window of the large residential/commercial development on the corner of Barrington and Wilshire in West LA lists the applicant as Brentrock Inc., leaving no clue as to what the new, well-placed, and large restaurant’s name will be. An online search however reveals that Brentrock Inc. has associations with well-known LA restaurateur Hans Rockenwagner. Not much out there yet on this one, but I’ll keep my eye on it…

Update: EaterLA is reporting the new restaurant will be another branch of Rockenwagner’s Three Square Café.

Z Garden Opens Second Restaurant In Downtown Santa Monica

Posted on July 30, 2013 by toddrickallen

“Fresh & healthy mediterranean” restaurant Z Garden is expanding. You may recall that original only opened at 2350 Pico Blvd. in Santa Monica about a year and a half ago. As of Monday, they’ve opened their second branch in Downtown Santa Monica at 313 Wilshire Blvd. in the space previously occupied by Yummy Cupcakes. Open from 8am until 10pm Sunday Through Thursday and until 12am Friday and Saturday, You can expect an assortment of classics such as falafel, fattoush, kebab, sandwiches, plates, and desserts served in a sleek dining room by extraordinarily friendly staff. Check out their menu and read more here: ZGarden.

Norm’s Closed In Santa Monica

Posted on July 29, 2013 by toddrickallen

For those who need more evidence that Santa Monica is quickly changing comes news that long-time anchor on the corner of Lincoln and Colorado, Norm’s restaurant is now closed to make way for a new development. Sadly the iconic sign has already been pulled down. Those craving steak and eggs can locate any one of their other branches here.

Elaine’s Bakery & Café Coming Soon To Brentwood

Posted on July 26, 2013 by toddrickallen

It looks like a new venture, Elaine’s Bakery and Café will soon be inhabiting the space left by now-defunct La Provence at 11677 San Vicente Blvd. Suites 315 & 317 at the top of Brentwood Gardens. Not much out there yet except for the application to sell liquor posted in the window, but you can check out a tentative menu from their still-developing website here .

Simply Raw Coming Soon To Santa Monica

Posted on July 23, 2013 by toddrickallen

It looks like a brand-spankin’ new adventure into the raw food craze, Simply Raw, is coming soon to 606 Broadway in Santa Monica next to Hostaria Del Piccolo and across the street from now-defunct Planet Raw. Not much information on the new restaurant that is looking to open New Year’s Day 2014, but you can check out their still-developing website here.

Truxton’s America Bistro Opens Today In Santa Monica

Posted on July 22, 2013 by toddrickallen

It’s been over a year since signs first went up, but after a few private test runs over the weekend, soon-to-be neighborhood fave Truxton’s American Bistro officially opens today on the corner of 14th and Santa Monica Blvd. in Santa Monica. Read more at: Truxton’s.

The Arden Liquor Parlour Coming Soon To Santa Monica

Posted on July 19, 2013 by toddrickallen

Have you secretly been wondering why Truxton’s American Bistro chose that utterly charmless corner for their sleek new Santa Monica branch? It appears that gentrification may be turning the humble corner of 14th and Santa Monica Blvd. into something of a destination. Directly behind Truxton’s at 1348 14th used to house local hangout Central Club. Soon however, it will be undergoing an extensive renovation and emerge as The Arden Liquor Parlour as evidenced by the “Design Review” notice pasted on the side. Not much information out there about The Arden, but as always I’ll keep my eye on this one for you…

Redwood Grille Now Open In Santa Monica

Posted on July 17, 2013 by toddrickallen

Having taken over the cavernous space that used to house short-lived Xino at the top of Santa Monica Place, Redwood Grille is finally open after a slight delay. The “classic American cuisine” restaurant features a front that opens to the mall, bar, loads of seating, and an inherited patio with one of the prettiest views in Santa Monica. Check out their menu here. Read more here: redwoodgrille.com.

Update: Starbucks Vs. Farrah’s Florist In Santa Monica

Posted on July 16, 2013 by toddrickallen

You may recall back in March 2013, I told you about the battle for the street corner at 11th and Wilshire in Santa Monica that you can re-read here. After 25 years, Farrah’s Florist was being pushed out by their landlord to make room for a glitzy remodel and eventual Starbucks. But Farrah’s, supported by local patrons who believe that Santa Monica is changing a little too quickly, fought back. They mounted a petition drive to hang on to the choice spot across from Melisse and El Cholo. Well, sadly for Farrah’s, their petition drive was not successful. They have been forced out and are currently moving into their new spot further up at 2006 Wilshire. So, it looks like Starbucks wins and will be taking over the corner soon. I’m told construction will begin in September. Until then, check out the artist rendering below of what the new coffee shop will eventually look like.

Obiká’s Historical Wine Event

Posted on July 12, 2013 by toddrickallen

Fans of history might be interested in mozzarella specialist Obiká’s special event this Tuesday, July 16th at 7:30 in their Century City location. In the 18th Century, a man named Phillip Mazzei from Tuscany in Italy brought to New England a cargo of sangiovese grape vines destined for the vineyard at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate. Eventually a friendship formed between the two and Mazzei apparently heavily influenced Jefferson’s ideas on equality and rights. Today, Mazzei Wineries is still going strong and the current CEO and descendent of Phillip, Francesco Mazzei will be present at the event honoring his illustrious ancestor and showcasing the family wines. The four course dinner costs $48 and includes wine, but you’d better secure your spot as fast as your little fingers can dial (310) 556-2452. obika.com

Dagwoods Pizza Now Closed In Venice

Posted on July 11, 2013 by toddrickallen

In more pizza news, local fixture Dagwoods Pizza is now closed at 202 Main St. in Venice. No official news yet, but I’m hearing whispers that the new inhabitant will be a pizza restaurant as well.

PizzaRev Coming Soon To El Segundo

Posted on July 9, 2013 by toddrickallen

With three locations in the Valley, “craft your own” pizza chain PizzaRev is expanding south. Signs went up recently announcing construction on its upcoming branch in the Gateway El Segundo shopping center at 460 Sepulveda in El Segundo. Look for two more locations, Burbank and Oxnard, to be opening soon as well. pizzarev

Groundwork Coffee Will Replace Fenjune In Santa Monica

Posted on July 5, 2013 by toddrickallen

Remember Fenjune? The specialty tea shop that was going into the space at 1601 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica has been under construction since 2011. Let’s just say the City of Santa Monica has not made it easy for local businessman Josh Pourgal to open the place and it has languished in half-finished limbo. Well construction is back on and it looks like Pourgal has changed plans. Instead of Fenjune, the new shop will be an outpost of organic coffee purveyor Groundwork opening (hopefully) in a few weeks I’m told. Until then, read more at: Groundwork.

Choppe Choppe Closed In Beverly Hills

Posted on July 3, 2013 by toddrickallen

Is it the feng shui or what? The space at 368 N. Camden in Beverly Hills has seen a great deal of turnover and now it appears to have lost its latest inhabitant. After opening in February 2012, salad and sandwich restaurant Choppe Choppe is now closed. No word on a replacement yet.

Chipotle Now Open In Century City

Posted on July 2, 2013 by toddrickallen

I’m often surprised about how much interest there is in the opening of a fast food restaurant. Those of you who’ve been closely watching its (slow) progress should be cheered by the news that after a ridiculously long time under construction, the latest branch of burrito chain Chipotle is now open in the food court of the Century City Shopping Center. Chipotle

Bouchon Celebrates Bastille Day

Posted on June 28, 2013 by toddrickallen

Salut! This year on Bastille Day, Sunday July 14th, Bouchon Bistro in Beverly Hills is hosting a bash in honor of France’s Fête Nationale. From 11am until 9pm, they will be celebrating with an outdoor grill, traditional fare, wine and cocktails, music and entertainment, and the film “Moulin Rouge”. Read more and make a reservation here.

Toddrickallen

The Westside at Its Finest

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