Having long anchored one of the busiest corners on the Promenade, the Santa Monica branch of the Mexican chain La Salsa has closed its doors on the corner of Third St. and Santa Monica Blvd. No word on a replacement yet…
The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. is opening soon at 8732A Sepulveda Blvd. in Westchester. The company uses a special filtration system to replicate water from Brooklyn that they believe has the preternatural power to elevate the average bagel into a New York masterpiece. With locations in Beverly Hills, Mid-City LA, around the country, and expanding fast, the OBWBC counts Larry King as an investor and spokesperson. Read more here: brooklynwaterbagels.com.
More competition to the Montana Ave. coffee scene: Renovations are underway on the old White Lilac space at 1511A Montana Ave. in Santa Monica to make room for the West Coast premier of a coffee shop by Italian specialty coffee brand Manuel, Spazio Caffè. Based in San Vendemiano, Italy and with locations throughout the world and one US location on the East Coast, the artisan coffee purveyor will also likely offer its line of selective teas, chocolate, baked goods, and merchandise. No word on an opening date yet, but as always, I’ll keep you posted… Read more at: manuel.it/en/spaziocaffe.
With locations throughout Southern California, it looks like the latest installment in the expanding Chicago-style pizza chain Fresh Brothers is going into the old Freshii space at 11740 San Vicente Blvd. in Brentwood. I hear they’re shooting for an August opening. Read more at freshbrothers.com.
Alas, we find ourselves woefully between truffle seasons. But those desperate for the fabulous fungus can rejoice: Melisse in Santa Monica has procured a stash of Australian black truffles (fully in season) and is offering an 8 course truffle tasting menu for $345. But they are also offering their signature dishes à la carte as well including: Fresh Tagliatelle (grated black truffles, parmesan brown butter truffle froth), Truffle Risotto (carnaroli rice, mascarpone, shaved black Australian truffles), Sweet White Corn Ravioli (brown butter truffle sauce, shaved black Australian truffles), or the classic Truffle Egg with toasted brioche. melisse.com.
In further mall news… It looks like the latest contender to step into the boxing ring that is the Santa Monica Place food scene is going to be… (drumroll) Johnny Rockets. With locations throughout the US and So Cal, the retro burger chain has begun construction on a never-occupied stall in the food court. Best of Luck! Until the final bell, you can check out their menu and more here: johnnyrockets.com.
More changes in Century City: Construction is underway in the Westfield Century City Shopping Center food court on the latest restaurant in the expanding Joe’s Pizza chain. And as you can see in the photo, Fatburger is moving in right next door in the space vacated by Fuddruckers.
Native Foods is offering a special meal deal this weekend only: Drunken Tofu Banh Mi consisting of crispy tofu marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce on a grilled baguette with pickled daikon, carrots, basil, and cilantro, served with a side of kimchi slaw, all for $9.95. Find a location and read more at: nativefoods.com.
I noticed this bright, sunny new storefront at 12211 Wilshire Blvd. in West LA (next door to Bar Food, and Amandine Cafe) promising a new venture, Organic Farm is moving into the space. I couldn’t get much more information other than what’s posted in the window stating that they offer the finest organic products: snacks, juices, and other items that are “earth grown, 100% natural”. You will, however, notice the little green cross and references to two medical marijuana bills in small print at the bottom of the paper. Hmmm… Look for a Summer 2012 opening.
As I reported earlier (toddrickallen.com/tudor-house), after 50 years, Anglophile institution Tudor House, the store, restaurant, tearoom, and bakery at 1403 Second Street in Santa Monica is to close. According to the paper posted on the window, it looks like they now have an official date, Sunday July 22nd. To commemorate the sad news, they will be giving out complimentary glasses of champagne to all customers who come in on Saturday or Sunday of their last weekend to wish them goodbye. Read their farewell letter here: thetudorhouse.com. I was told by an employee that a new “Spanish” restaurant will be taking over the space. I’ll keep you posted…
Update: EaterLA is reporting that the restaurant moving into the Tudor House space will be a paella and tapas venture by Lazy Ox restaurateur Michael Cardenas. The new restaurant is to be named Taberna Arros y Vi. Read more at: la.eater.com.
Some restaurants can go a gazillion years before attempting a renovation (think Spago), but not plucky little La Focacceria Tra Di Noi at 362 N. Camden in Beverly Hills, that only just opened in May of last year. As you can see from the notice posted in the window, as of this week, they are closed for dinner as they undergo a re-do. According to the sign, they will still be open for lunch. To get invited to the grand re-opening, email them at Lafocatradinoibh@gmail.com.
Westside Tavern, in the Westside Pavillion, is hosting a special event with Randall Grahm, the “winemaker and philosopher king” of Bonny Doon vineyard on Thursday, July 12th at 7:00pm. The special five course Chef’s dinner will be paired with, you guessed it, various Bonny Doon wines. For more information, contact Lori Theis at (310) 470-1539 or events@westsidetavernla.com.
Today and tomorrow (Tuesday and Wednesday), when you buy an entrée, side, and drink at Native Foods, you will get a free dessert, the orange creamsicle cupcake. Plus a portion of the profits from these two days goes to various charities. Find a location (including the brand-spanking new Santa Monica Native Foods) and read more at: nativefoods.com.
The culinary school in The Market atop Santa Monica Place, La Gourmandise School, will open its offshoot, Petite Pantry this week in the old space where Aurelie’s Cookies was, next door to the school. They will be offering various baking supplies such as chocolates, specialty flours, and spices. And if you miss Aurelie’s Cookies, they will be available on the weekends.
Say what you will about Spago in Beverly Hills, but in terms of quantifiable memories, it tops my list of LA restaurants. Spago closes for a much-needed and anticipated re-do on Sunday and won’t re-appear until mid September. Here’s what I’ve been able to glean from friends who work there: The beloved patio stays, but the fountain is out and will be replaced with a fireplace. The booth in the first photo is going and in its stead will be a champagne cellar and a wine cellar. The menu will be updated and changed as will the entire kitchen, but many of the staff will be returning. And bye-bye salmon pizza. We eagerly look forward to the unveiling and until then, here a few memories…
Here’s a glimpse at the progress inside the new Seasons 52 moving into the old Houston’s space in the Westfield Century City Shopping Center. As you can see, they’ve got a way to go before their projected Autumn opening. Until then, read more at: seasons52.com.
More changes to the Westfield Century City Shopping Center food scene: It appears that Ummba Grill, the Brazilian Churrascaria on the second floor has closed its doors. The restaurant has been completely boarded over and there is no word on a replacement. Curiously though, their website still portends a future Santa Monica site. Ummbagrill.com.
Looking for a vegan, macrobiotic option for your Fourth of July barbeque party this year? Look no further than M Café. They’ve neatly wrapped up an impressive party package to help you create your backyard burger bar. Available to serve either 4-6 ($80) or 8-10 ($160), each deal comes with Big Macro Patties, Soy Mozzarella Cheese, Special Sauce, Whole Wheat Buns, all the fixin’s, and two deli salads such as Kale with Spicy Peanut Dressing, Creamy Cole Slaw, or Scarlet Quinoa. Just throw those burgers on the barbie and your set. Get more info at: mcafedechaya.com.
Having taken over the old Aunt Kizzy space upstairs at 523 Washington Blvd. in Marina Del Rey, Tahntawan Thai Kitchen is now open and serving Southeast Asian specialties. Check out their menu here: tahntawan.com.
A new venture, Potato Corner appears to be building a free-standing shop on the first floor of the Westfield Century City Shopping Center. With locations at various malls throughout LA and the US, this is their first foray into the Westside. As you can guess, their specialty is potatoes in an array of forms and flavors. Check out their menu here: http://potatocornerusa.com/menu/.
Toddrickallen 