Toddrickallen appreciates your patience. The rain had knocked out my phone lines and my internet. I was only able to communicate via iPhone. I felt as frustrated as Irene Virbila at Red Medicine. But things are remedied as of today, so you can expect more news and reviews…
If you’re a regular reader, you’ve probably noticed that I haven’t yet posted this week. That’s because the copious rain has knocked out all forms of communication at Toddrickallen. Repair crews are on their way and I should be back up and running soon…
On Tuesday Dec 21, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, M Cafe de Chaya at 9344 Brighton Way in Beverly Hills will be hosting a vegan baking demonstration by Erin McKenna of Babycakes NYC. Included in the program will be a recipe for brownies, Q & A, and booksigning. Cost is $25. Sign up at amy@mcafedechaya.com. You can read more at http://www.mcafedechaya.com/or http://www.babycakesnyc.com/.
I got a chance to check out the new Bar Toscana in Brentwood. First read: this place is fantastic. The vibe was hip and cool with a beautiful crowd lounging and sipping signature cocktails to indie music. The decor was modern with a “New York-y” feel. A lot of attention has clearly gone into the details from the undulating bar shelves, well-thought out presentation of food, and the spectacular digital projection art by local artist Jennifer Steinkamp. Illuminating one wall and the floors of the front window, the images of plants and seasons constantly shift and change. The effect is mesmerizing. Service was snappy and cheerful. From the Italian tapas menu, we settled on the vegetarian choices which included an amazing Polentine which are small cubes of polenta that are then dipped into a cheese fondue with shaved black truffle. The dish was warm, satisfying comfort food at its best. We also loved the Stuzzichino Toscana that arrived as three small jars containing an earthy fava been puree, an artichoke spread, and a vibrantly flavored tomato jam. Toasted bread sits alongside. I love playing with different flavor combinations and this was a knockout. We also enjoyed the Zuppa di Carciofi (pureed artichoke soup with Parmigiano crisps), Insalata di Zucca (a roasted pumpkin salad with grilled chanterelle mushrooms, frisee, and goat cheese), an Italian cheese plate (served on an olive wood board-a small detail I loved), and finally we finished with a Bonet Piemontese a luscious warm chocolate cake with amaretti and caramel sauce. The quantity was just enough and the timing of the service allowed us to pick and graze luxuriously over lively conversation the entire evening. Ever watchful Sauro and Roberto checked in with us a number of times to ensure that everything was perfect. They can rest assured that it was.
The bar
digital art by Jennifer Steinkamp
Breaking news! Just heard from the manager Sauro, that Bar Toscana is now open, next door to sister restaurant and Brentwood mainstay, Toscana at 11633 San Vicente Blvd. The cozy space features a menu of Italian tapas and an emphasis on mixology utilizing fresh herbs, fruits, and other fresh ingredients. I’ll post more shortly… Until then, read more at https://toddrickallen.com/2010/10/25/bar-toscana-brentwood/.
Thursday Night, I spotted reality star and KISS rocker Gene Simmons surrounded by a bevy of beautiful people at Westside Tavern. He smiled and nodded confidently in his red shirt to the crowds in the bar and he regally strode to the private back room.
Ok, so I had a peek into Jeffrey Cerciello’s FARMshop in the Brentwood Country Market. Obviously the ‘Shop’ part is incomplete. But the restaurant half bears a striking resemblance to the previous inhabitant, City Bakery. This left me and a number of local business patrons with whom I spoke wondering what the hell they were doing behind those boarded up doors for such a long time. The restaurant is structured exactly the same. Even the pastries look the same. Hmmm.
Susan Feniger’s Street has announced a new line of cocktails to put you in the holiday spirit after a wearying day of Christmas shopping. Pop in for a little constitutional after you’ve braved the crowds at Bev Center to find the perfect tie for Uncle Vincent.
Bru’s Wiffle, which you may remember reading about here http://wp.me/pIwAN-bQ, is now open at 2408 Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica. Billing itself as a “Waffle Joint”, they serve both savory and sweet waffles made from a secret batter recipe. Breakfast waffles are topped with scrambled eggs and a variety of other toppings such as the “Popeye” which includes tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, and onions. Open for lunch and dinner as well, the simple savory waffle menu includes a pizza waffle and a chili cheese waffle. They also have salads and sides, and a drink menu consisting of coffees, teas, lemonade, and banana milk. Read more at bruswiffle.com.
Just noticed that a sign went up at the Veggie Grill construction site on the corner of Wilshire and 20th in Santa Monica indicating that Mexican chain Poquito Mas is somehow also going into the same space. Interesting…
Here’s a great opportunity for fans of Amarone della Valpolicella: Osteria Mozza is hosting a special wine dinner next Monday, December 6th featuring the Italian red. On hand will be Tony Apostolako from Masi Agricole whose vineyards have been producing wine since the 12th Century. He will be guiding the tasting of rare wines coupled with Matt Molina’s food. Cost is $150 and seating limited so act fast! Contact Sara Parenti at Mozza for rezzies or more info at sparenti@mozza-la.com .
Cut in Beverly Hills is listed as the first restaurant in a piece in the December issue of Bon Appétit magazine titled, “The Hot 10 Best Celebration Restaurants”. They appreciated the food, design, and the diners, all of which are described as “beautiful”. As many of you know, Cut is a favorite of mine for food, ambiance, and amazing staff. If you go, check out the incredible John Baldessari installation of photos from Studio 54 with the faces blanked out. The large images are mesmerizing and are guaranteed to stimulate conversation.
The back of the menu at Cut with an image from John Baldessari
Well it looks like popular neighborhood watering hole, JP’s Grill on the corner of Wilshire and 11th in Santa Monica got caught by ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) on the 18th of November and will remain closed down until the 2nd of December. While I don’t know the charge, usually ABC sends out stings to catch establishments that serve liquor to minors. I’m continuing to see a steady stream of depressed partiers wandering aimlessly around the front door, not sure what to do next…
Toddrickallen wishes a very Happy Thanksgiving to all my devoted readers. May your day be filled with joy, family and friends, and of course, wonderful food! I’m so very grateful for your support. Cheers!
Toddrickallen got a chance to catch up with Antonio DeCicco, who left Toscana about 7 months ago to open his own venture, Villetta in the old Chez Mimi space at the corner of 26th and San Vicente in Brentwood. Antonio showed me around the spacious complex, which although looking like it still needs a lot of work, is slated to open soon. The concept of Villetta is not so much a single restaurant, but a series of buildings, outdoor dining spaces (with heated radiant concrete), and lively bars (the address boasts the only 2:00am liquor license in the area). People will be encouraged to mingle throughout the various houses and perhaps find a comfy corner or nook to relax and have a drink and a nibble. The menu is described as “South Italian fresh market driven” and to helm the kitchen, Antonio has hired Pippa Calland, a former sous chef at the French Laundry. Indeed, Antonio has recently returned from the Amalfi Coast to find inspiration. And yes, there will be a pizza oven. The reason the 3 million dollar restoration of the space has taken so long is because the old Chez Mimi buildings are designated landmarks and any change whatsoever requires permits and cutting through red tape. But, persistence is paying off. Look for an opening in about one month, although private parties have already booked out the first few weeks.
Mozza2Go’s “Scuola di Pizza” has announced the December dates for its pizza-making classes. The classes are held on Sundays from 7:00pm to 10:00pm and will be on the following dates: December 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th. The classes cost $150 per person. What a perfect gift for the Holiday season!
Mozza 6602 Melrose Avenue
Good news for all you Black Friday shoppers! Pizza Antica in Santa Monica is announcing a special breakfast menu for all you who hit the pavement early. They will be offering such things as Potato Pizza with Truffle Oil & Baked Egg, Roasted Pepper Potato & Mozzarella Frittata, and Baked Eggs with Pain de Mie Toast and Hash Potatoes. Doors open at 8:00am on Friday November 26th. So now you have no excuse not to get out there and do your part for the economy!
Pizza Antica 395 Santa Monica Place. Santa Monica | 310.394.4080 | www.pizzaantica.com
If you’ve been wondering what’s with all the construction at 1515 Ocean Ave. in Santa Monica, they’ve finally put up signs. Apparently the new Shore Hotel will be opening on the spot sometime in Summer of 2011. Not much news on the internet yet, and their website is still under construction, but it looks like it will be a hip destination hotel which means a restaurant of some kind. I’ll keep you posted.
You can get a glimpse of what it will look like here…
Construction is underway on a new Italian sandwich shop in Manhattan Beach. Toscana Deli, at least according to the sign, will be serving soups, salads, pastries, and sandwiches. The new deli is located on the corner of Highland and 41st street and will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Jane Lockhart took time out of her busy schedule to chat briefly with a nosy Toddrickallen on Friday about the Santa Monica opening of her second location of her popular bakery Sweet Lady Jane (first reported here https://toddrickallen.com/2010/04/09/sweet-lady-jane-santa-monica/) . According to Jane, the wildly anticipated Nov. 18th opening is more than likely going to be pushed back “a few days” due to the amount of work left to be done and the massive cleanup. The walls were still being painted with swirling patterns when she showed me around. The space is bright and airy with a fresh, welcoming feel. With the recent bakery explosion on Montana Avenue, all eyes have been eagerly on SLJ. It looks like we’ll have to wait a bit longer… The good news is that all you NoMa housewives can order your Thanksgiving pies now! SLJ has a pie and cake menu posted in its window. Call (310) 254-9499 for details.
