Huckleberry’s Thursday Night Dinner Series

Posted on March 20, 2013 by toddrickallen

Huckleberry in Santa Monica is hosting a series of Thursday Night Dinners, each consisting of a three course prix fixe. On the menu tomorrow night (March 21st): Farmers’ Market Bitter Greens Salad with dates and parmesan, Crispy Anson Mills’ Polenta and slow cooked free range chicken confit with farm egg, roasted artichokes, and asparagus, and Fresh Strawberry Tart. They will do a vegetarian option as well. Cost is $30 (kids under 12 are half off, under 5 are free), no reservations, seating begins at 6pm and ends at 9pm. huckleberrycafe

Kreation Now Open On Little Santa Monica In Beverly Hills

Posted on March 18, 2013 by toddrickallen

Wow, that was fast… Kreation Juicery is now officially open in Beverly Hills at 9609 Little Santa Monica Blvd. (formerly Menchie’s) , just inches away from perpetually swamped Sprinkles cupcakes. And yes, the rumors are true, they do have a juice ATM. Read more about the rapidly expanding chain at: kreationjuice.

Gluten Free Book Signing And Demo With Kristine Kidd At Williams-Sonoma In BH

Posted on March 14, 2013 by toddrickallen

This Saturday, March 16th at the Beverly Hills branch of Williams-Sonoma, you can get an opportunity to check out gluten free done at the hands of a pro. Cookbook author, culinary expert, and food editor of Bon Appétit magazine for 20 years, Kristine Kidd will be demonstrating recipes and signing copies of her latest book, Weeknight Gluten Free: Simple, healthy meals for every night of the week. The event begins at 2:00pm and is bound to be crowded so come early. Note: only cookbooks purchased at W-S will be eligible for signing. Read more about Kristine Kidd at her blog: kristinekidd, and get more info about the event here: williams-sonoma.

Casa Martin Now Open In Santa Monica

Posted on March 12, 2013 by toddrickallen

After what seems like an unusually long time coming (otherwise known as normal in Santa Monica), the family owned Mexican Restaurant Casa Martin is officially open in the storefront that used to house the old Detelich Gallery space at 1654 Ocean Ave, unit B in Santa Monica, fortuitously positioned between Loew’s Hotel, The Lobster, and across the street from the upcoming Village at Santa Monica, the multi-million dollar residential and commercial complex currently in construction (SantaMonicaVillage). The cheery little eatery boasts an extensive menu of traditional Mexican fare including burritos, enchiladas, salads, and vegetarian entrees, as well as weeknight specials such as Nacho Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, and GNO (Girls Night Out) Fridays. Hours are: Mon-Thurs 9:30am to 10pm, Fri-Sat 9:30am to 11pm. casamartinsm

Shore Hotel To Add A Bar/Lounge

Posted on March 11, 2013 by toddrickallen

According to staff and the application posted in the window, it looks like newish Shore Hotel at 1515 Ocean Ave in Santa Monica is adding a “bar-lounge” just off the main lobby. No word on an opening date yet, but I’ll keep you posted. shorehotel

Border Grill’s Cooking Class With Susan Feniger And Mary Sue Milliken

Posted on March 8, 2013 by toddrickallen

Downtown’s Border Grill is offering a rare opportunity to spend an afternoon with the Too Hot Tamales themselves, Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. On Saturday, March 16th they will be offering a cooking class on doing brunch the Border Grill way. Included on the menu are Border Bloody Maria, Guava empanadas, and La Bomba Rice Pudding. But you had better move quickly, the 11am class is sold out but thankfully they’ve just added a 2pm class. Cost is $75 and includes brunch, cocktails, and recipe booklet. Call (213) 486-5171 just as fast as your little fingers can dial to secure your spot. bordergrill.com

Starbucks Coming To 11th And Wilshire In SM… Maybe

Posted on March 6, 2013 by toddrickallen

To those of you who live in Santa Monica and have been up late at night worried that you just may have to walk more than one block to procure coffee comes this welcome news… With the recent spate of coffee houses opening across the city comes wind of one more. It looks like a brand-spanking new branch of Starbucks is looking to take over the prominent corner spot long-held by Farrah’s Florist at 11th and Wilshire. If you look carefully at the picture on the “notice of pending design review”, you can get an idea of what the new corner will look like. But not so fast… As you can see by the marquis, Farrah’s is fighting back. Looks like they’ve commenced a petition drive to hold on to the location. We’ll be following this one closely…

Update: I spoke with someone from Farrah’s who explained how frustrated the florist feels after inhabiting the choice spot across from Melisse for 25 years, hence the petition and community push-back. Some of the other shops on the block are losing their leases as well; This is going to be one big Starbucks! The battle will culminate in a March 18th hearing at City Council Chambers. But there’s a bigger concern here. With all the construction downtown (the new Miramar project, the proposed Frank Gehry tower on Ocean Ave. at SMB, and the upcoming Village at Santa Monica), local residents are increasingly worried about over-development and the loss of local character, turning this into a cause célèbre. Looks like Farrah’s could be the latest poster-child in the fight. We’ll see how this plays out…

Massis Kabob Now Open In Century City

Posted on March 4, 2013 by toddrickallen

Still more changes to the mercurial food scene in the Westfield Century City Shopping Center… Billing themselves at “The Original Kabobery”, purveyors of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food, Massis Kabob opened over the weekend in the space left by long-gone California Crisp in the food court. With four other locations around LA, you can read more about the Glendale-based chain here: massiskabob.

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British Pie Week At The King’s Head

Posted on March 1, 2013 by toddrickallen

If you’re even the teensiest bit of an anglophile, then you’re familiar with the iconic British pie. Seen everywhere throughout the UK from the best restaurants to the busiest tube station, the British pie is an institution. Now’s your chance to get a taste of tradition right here in LA. Ye Olde King’s Head at the corner of 2nd and Santa Monica Blvd. in Santa Monica has declared March 4th through the 10th British Pie Week. With a number of specials including 20% off pies in the restaurant, 15% off in the shoppe, and a special “pie & a pint” in the pub for $10, there’s no reason not to fancy yourself on the set of Downton Abbey. And there’s even a veg version! yeoldekingshead.com

Pressed Juicery Now Open In Beverly Hills

Posted on February 27, 2013 by toddrickallen

The juicing craze continues at break-neck speed… With 6 other locations throughout California and spreading fast, Pressed Juicery opened the doors to its 7th location today, Wednesday February 27th at 430 N. Bedford Dr. in Beverly Hills. Read more about their 100% raw, unpasteurized, and cold-pressed concoctions here: pressedjuicery.

M Café’s Birthday Celebration Deal

Posted on February 26, 2013 by toddrickallen

M Café in Beverly Hills is celebrating its fourth anniversary at that location and to celebrate, they’re offering a special deal until this Thursday, February 28th. Get $4 off any order over $15 after 4pm. Read more at: mcafedechaya.

Lollicup Coming Soon To Sawtelle

Posted on February 21, 2013 by toddrickallen

Based in the San Gabriel Valley and poised to take over the world, cheery purveyors of milk coffee/tea/boba/juice Lollicup are moving into the space that was supposed to have been Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt at 2206 Sawtelle (south of Olympic). Besides sunny drinks, expect a menu of snacks such as fried tofu, mini buns, squid balls, and combination plates. With locations across the US, China, and coming soon to Europe and the Middle East, you can read more about the plucky little coffeeshop at: lollicup.com.

Courtyard Kitchen Now Open In Santa Monica

Posted on February 20, 2013 by toddrickallen

Recently I told you about a new venture replacing the short-lived Il Sogno at 1211 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica. Brand-spanking new Courtyard Kitchen is now fully up and running. Look for a Mediterranean-inspired menu of breakfasts, salads, and sandwiches in a cozy neighborhoody setting. Hours are from 8am to 4pm daily.

Curry House CoCo Ichibanya To Open February 20th In Brentwood

Posted on February 19, 2013 by toddrickallen

With more than 1,200 restaurants in Japan alone, international Japanese-style curry giant Curry House CoCo Ichibanya officially opens its doors Wednesday, February 20th at 12007 Wilshire Blvd. in Brentwood (near Bundy) according to signs in the window and their website. Two other US locations already exist in Torrance and Irvine. Read more and check out their menu here: ichibanyausa. Anyone brave enough for natto curry?

More Pei Wei News…

Posted on February 15, 2013 by toddrickallen

And while we’re on the subject of Pei Wei, I just noticed the signs in the window of the new development at the corner of Sepulveda and Washington Blvd. in Culver City announcing yet another Pei Wei going into the space at 4114E Sepulveda, next to recently opened Zinga! Frozen Yogurt. peiwei.com

Pei Wei Asian Market Opens Monday In Beverly Hills

Posted on February 13, 2013 by toddrickallen

Last May, I told you about construction beginning on a Beverly Hills branch of Pei Wei and as you can see by the sign in the window, it looks like Pei Wei Asian Market opens its doors for the first time on Monday (2/18) at 270 N. Beverly Dr. (at Dayton) in Beverly Hills. A spin-off chain from P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, you can check out their menu that claims to draw inspiration from 5 Asian countries and read more about them here: peiwei.com.

Itzik Hagadol Coming Soon To Beverly Hills

Posted on February 12, 2013 by toddrickallen

With one restaurant in Encino, purveyors of “Israeli Cuisine” Itzik Hagadol are looking to expand into Beverly Hills. Signs recently went up in the window at 452 Canon Dr. announcing their impending arrival. You can check out their menu and read more at: itzikhagadol.

Kreation To Open Second Juicery In Beverly Hills

Posted on February 8, 2013 by toddrickallen

Perhaps looking to save cupcake seekers from a life of sugary addiction, Kreation Juicery is opening a second branch of their popular fresh-pressed organic juice cafe in Beverly Hills (thier other recently opened branch is at 9465 Charleville) at 9609 Little Santa Monica Blvd. (formerly Menchie’s) , just doors away from perpetually swamped Sprinkles cupcakes. Read more about the rapidly expanding juice chain at: kreationjuice.

Susan Feniger’s Street Celebrates Chinese New Year

Posted on February 6, 2013 by toddrickallen

This Sunday, February 10th from 11am to 3pm, you can celebrate the Chinese New Year with an all vegetarian dim sum brunch at Susan Feniger’s Street. Check out their “Year of the Snake” menu and read more here: eatatstreet.com.

Jack’s On Montana To Replace 17th St. Cafe In Santa Monica

Posted on February 4, 2013 by toddrickallen

What’s the skinny on the new signs and ownership change at the 17th St. Cafe at 1610 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica? After opening and developing the cafe for 14 years, owner Jack Srebnik sold it in 2003. Since then, however, the reviews of the Montana Ave. institution have been, well let’s just say less than stellar. So it appears that Jack is back. He’s buying it back from the current owners under the auspices of his partnership in Beverly Bagels Inc. Rather than trying to reconstitute the tainted 17th St. Cafe brand, he is changing the name to Jack’s on Montana. Expect a menu of brunch, salads, and sandwiches similar to the one that made the cafe a popular breakfast and lunch spot with locals for years.

Toddrickallen

The Westside at Its Finest

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