Del Frisco’s Grille Closed In Santa Monica

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This is a public service announcement:  This isn’t exactly news (It happened a short while ago), but people are shocked and still writing me to let me know that Del Frisco’s Grille has vacated their prominent corner spot on the corner of Ocean and Colorado, across from The Santa Monica Pier.  With its stunning view, and catering primarily to tourists, Del Frisco’s Grille was known for their good happy hour and for special events.  I’ll keep watch on the tricky location to see what may develop.

(Thanks Jonny and others!)

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream Now Open In Culver City

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Known for their over 100 flavors of ice cream and yogurt that are made fresh daily at each location, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream has been quietly expanding recently, with locations in Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach, as well as others.  Now there’s one more.  Readers have been letting me know that there’s a new branch at 4130 Sepulveda Boulevard in Culver City. 

(Thanks Andrew!)

Jemma Pizzeria Replacing Roca Pizza In Pacific Palisades

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If you blinked, you probably missed when Roca Pizza was open at 1061 N Swathmore in Pacific Palisades.  They were only open about six months.  Now the location is getting another pizza restaurant, Jemma Pizzeria.  Jemma Pizzeria is another project of Jackson Kalb (Ospi, Jemma di Mare) who spilled the beans to Eater about what to expect.

Tara’s Himalayan Cuisine Now Closed In Santa Monica/Brentwood

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Tara’s Himalayan Cuisine threw open their doors in July of 2019, at 262 26th St. in Santa Monica, just across from the Brentwood Country Mart.  At the time, the introduction of Himalayan food to the tony neighborhood caused quite a stir.  Sadly, readers are reporting to me that Tara’s has since disappeared from this location.  Apparently, fans can still order from the Venice location.

Vanilla Bake Shop Closes After 16 Years, Replacement Named

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I must say, this is a bit of shock…  Riding the cupcake wave of the early 2000s, Vanilla Bake Shop burst on the scene 16 years ago and quickly became Santa Monica’s go-to spot for baked treats.  Sadly, they have quit their longtime location at 512 Wilshire Blvd.  A gracious note in the window thanks their customers and introduces a new bakery to take over: The Butter End Cakery.   Apparently, the LAX location of Vanilla Bake Shop is still up and running.

Update:  The Butter End Cakery is now open at this location. (09/2024)

Bacari Beverly Hills Coming To The Golden Triangle

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The corner space at 9601 Brighton Way in Beverly Hills has sat empty ever since celebrity-backed Villa Blanca pulled out over three years ago.  But that’s about the change.  There’s a banner and an ABC application on the front announcing the impending arrival of Bacari Beverly Hills.  Bacari has a smattering of locations in trending areas around LA.  They all seem to have slightly different personalities, but the casual concept appears to veer toward Mediterranean.

Starbird Bringing Crispy Chicken To MDR

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A sharp-eyed reader (Thanks Trevor!) spotted permits on the old Men’s Wearhouse space at 4325 Glencoe Ave C-3 in the Villa Marina Center.  The permits inform us that Starbird Chicken is moving into the address.  Their website confirms it.  Starbird hails from the Bay Area and has locations in both NoCal and SoCal.  They are known for their crispy chicken and in-house sauces.  

Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop Coming To El Segundo

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You already know about the Panera Bread, Rasing Cane’s, and Panda Express that have landed in new development that was originally called the Nash St. Exchange, but appears to have since been renamed Charger’s Commons, on the corner of El Segundo and Nash in El Segundo.  And it looks like another dining option is joining the mix.  The sign indicates that a branch of popular East Coast chain Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop is also moving in.

The Independence Disappears From Downtown Santa Monica

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I’m hearing from surprised readers who have noticed the permanently drawn curtains and lack of activity at Downtown Santa Monica’s neighborhood watering hole and eatery The Independence.  The Independence has anchored the corner of 2nd and Broadway since 2014, when it replaced Buddha’s Belly.  Sadly, for all intents and purposes, it appears that it has quietly disappeared.  I’ll keep my eye on the space at 205 Broadway to see what may develop…

Poukei Bringing Poke Bowls & Burritos To Century City

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It was only back in September when I told you that Big Fish Little Fish had gone belly up in the Food Court of the Westfield Century City Shopping Center.  Wasting no time whatsoever, it appears that a new poke spot is taking over the location.  The plywood around the space lets us know that Poukei will soon be bringing us poke bowls & poke burritos.

Stout Burgers & Beer Gone From Downtown Santa Monica

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This was surprising to me…  It appears that Downtown Santa Monica’s perennial popular burger joint Stout Burgers & Beer has disappeared from its location at 111 Santa Monica Blvd.  I’m not exactly sure when it closed, but the windows are papered over, perhaps indicating a new inhabitant is in the works.  I’ll keep watching…

Update: A reader let me know that the space is being taken over by next door’s Bar Monette and will feature “French small plates and burgers”. (Thanks Sean!)

Maru Sushi Bringing “Ramen / Ezakaya” To Downtown Santa Monica

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There’s a new banner hanging over 331 Wilshire Blvd. in Downtown Santa Monica.  The space has long sat empty since Greenleaf Kitchen & Cocktails closed up shop during The Pandemic.  The name on the banner is Maru Sushi and underneath that, it promises “ramen / ezakaya“.  I’m unable to find any more information about the new eatery as there are a number or restaurants that use the word “Maru” in their name, so if you know more, reach out to me…

Fitoor Bringing Much-Lauded Indian Fare From San Francisco To Santa Monica

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I happened to notice a new ABC application on the front of the cavernous space most recently occupied by Herringbone at 1755 Ocean Ave Ste 103 in Santa Monica.  Fitoor is the name listed, and while not much comes up in a general search, two names on the application give us a clue as to what’s coming.  Those names are Anupama and Vikram Bhambri, who are none other than the co-founders of San Francisco’s splashy and much-lauded “Indian-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar” ROOH.   Apparently, they are in the middle of a recently announced expansion in the Bay Area.  They are expanding using different restaurant names but there is a Fitoor Indian Grill & Lounge coming to San Jose that EaterSF describes as an “opulent restaurant with live music and DJs”.  This is indeed exciting news for Santa Monica… 

Chronic Tacos Bringing “Taco Life” To Redondo Beach, Westchester

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Something new is coming to the space that was once occupied by Freebirds World Burrito (remember them?) at 1509 Hawthorne Blvd. #101 in Redondo Beach.  Window paper is up announcing a branch of Chronic Tacos Mexican Grill.  Chronic Tacos began in California in 2002 and operates a number of locations in California as well as a smattering of locations across various states, Canada, and Japan.  Look for a solid menu of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and bowls.  The website says they’re opening a location in Westchester as well.

(Thank LL!)

Chicken Bun Bun Now Serving Specialty Sandwiches In Sawtelle Japantown

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A new chicken sandwich option recently opened at 2222 Sawtelle Blvd. in Sawtelle Japantown.  Chicken Bun Bun has made a name for itself serving proprietary chicken sandwiches, but they also offer wraps, wings, and tenders.  With branches in Alhambra and Newport Beach, this is the tertiary location for the mini chain.

Dunkin’ Donuts Opening In Sawtelle

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People are often divided on the subject of Dunkin’ Donuts:  It has legions of superfans, and its fair share of detractors as well.  Regardless of which side you fall on, it’s hard not to admit that DD is super convenient, fast, and reliable.  Now, the good people of the Sawtelle neighborhood will soon be getting a chance to sample the East Coast chain’s famous java and pastries themselves.  There’s a new Dunkin’ Donuts landing on the corner of Butler and Olympic, at 11419A Olympic Blvd., right next to the upcoming Ivory’s Bake Shop that I told you about back in June.

Tacos Por Favor Replacing Cock N’ Bull In Santa Monica

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Ever since dusty British-themed watering hole Cock N’ Bull closed at 2947 Lincoln Blvd., I’ve been peppered with questions about what would take over the address located in the quickly gentrifying section of Santa Monica.  Recently construction has been fast and furious at the site, which stands only a block away from a much-anticipated branch of Tartine.  One of my readers, (Thanks Jeff!) employed some excellent sleuthing skills to uncover the new tenant.  Apparently, Tacos Por Favor will be soon fill the space.  While I don’t have confirmation, there is a “surrendered” ABC application listing the Tacos Por Favor at this address. Tacos Por Favor currently operates three locations on The Westside and offers a menu of tacos, burritos, tortas, tostadas, and combos.

Palm Restaurant Waves Goodbye To Beverly Hills

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It’s always sad when Beverly Hills loses one of its historic dining institutions….  I’m hearing from shocked readers that celebrity hangout and industry powerhouse Palm Restaurant has closed its legendary doors at 267 N Canon Dr Suite A7.  I went by to gaze upon its faded glory, and sure enough, all signs have been pulled down from the iconic steakhouse.  I’ll keep my eyes on the location to see what may develop, but in the meantime, read about their storied history and get very, very nostalgic…

(Thanks Jonny!)