SMiZE Cream Bringing Celebrity Frozen Treats To Downtown Santa Monica

Posted on February 7, 2021 by toddrickallen

In the very center of Santa Monica Place is a small, unassuming kiosk that, until last September, used to be the home of Santa Monica’s branch of Ugo Cafe. Now window covering is informing us that something called SMiZE Cream is moving in. And what exactly is SMiZE Cream? Apparently, it is a “Super premium ice cream w/ a hidden, yummy SMiZE Surprize” launched by none other than TV personality and model Tyra Banks. (SMiZE = “smile with your eyes”) Definately an interesting development for Downtown Santa Monica…

The Other Door’s Mardi Gras Crawfish Boil

Posted on February 6, 2021 by toddrickallen

This landed in my inbox: The Other Door Bar, at 10437 Burbank Blvd. in North Hollywood, is hosting its 11th annual Mardi Gras Crawfish Boil on Tue, Feb 16. They are flying in hundreds of pounds of the live little critters from Louisiana for the occasion. I’m told there will be “bottled Hurricanes and other cocktails, and a brass band in some form appropriate to the pandemic lockdown.” Check out their link for the event here. Don’t we all need a little bit of New Orleans right about now?

ISno Cafe Gone From Downtown Santa Monica

Posted on February 3, 2021 by toddrickallen

I first noticed banners declaring the intended arrival of “shaved snow creation” shop iSno Cafe in January of 2019. It took them a year, but they opened in January of 2020. And now in less than a year, sadly, they have closed their doors at 1260 Third St. Promenade. COVID to blame?

Lady & Larder Coming To Santa Monica

Posted on January 31, 2021 by toddrickallen

It looks like West LA’s adorable purveyor of all things cheese, Lady & Larder, is coming to Santa Monica. A sharp-eyed reader (Thanks Robert!) spotted the ABC application on the space next to Milo SRO at 828 Pico Blvd. #2, clearly indicating that the Simms Sisters are intent on bringing gorgeous cheese boards to the good people of Santa Monica. At the time of this writing I couldn’t confirm if this will be a second location or if they’re moving operations, but as soon as I find out I’ll let you know.

Zinqué Opens In Century City

Posted on January 30, 2021 by toddrickallen

Ever since I first told you that breezy French charmer Zinqué was moving into the second floor space of the Westfield Century City Shopping Center that was previously occupied by Petros, I’ve been peppered with questions asking when it would open. So, for all the people eagerly following this story comes this happy news… Zinqué opened yesterday (01/29) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with patio dining and take-away or delivery. You’re welcome.

Ladurée In Pacific Palisades

Posted on January 27, 2021 by toddrickallen

I’m a sucker for Ladurée. I love the dainty food, elegant pastries, and those macarons! (which they take credit for creating) C’est tellement Francais. Now, you may not have to drive as far for a taste of Paris. While I’m a little late in the game here (It opened about a month ago.), I’m happy to let you know that there’s a Ladurée pop-up in Palisades Village, in Pacific Palisades. De Rien!

Impasta Takes Over Roxbury Cafe In Beverly Hils

Posted on January 24, 2021 by toddrickallen

A reader with super human powers (no mere mortal would be able to spot this, Thanks Tony!) let me know about some activity at the former home of fossilized diner, Roxbury Cafe at 459 Roxbury Dr. in Beverly Hills. An open air dining permit request on the boarded-up front door lists the name of the new business as Impasta. I have no confirmation that this is the same restaurant, but there is an Impasta with one other location in LA that offers a menu designed for low-carb and gluten-free diets with items such as “classic pasta and pizza recipes made with zero to low carb noodle options, [and] cauliflower crusts”. Also, there’s no red meat is on the menu. We wish them the best of luck.

Update: Jennifer W was kind enough to let us know that in their Instagram feed, Impasta has said that they are relocating to Beverly Hills. So this will not be a second location.

Prime Pizza Coming To West LA

Posted on January 23, 2021 by toddrickallen

It looks like West LA is getting yet one more pizza joint to grace its strip malls… A reader (Thanks Jennifer!) let me know that there’s a banner up on the space at 12219 Santa Monica Blvd., previously home to Pizza Hut, announcing that Prime Pizza is moving in. Prime Pizza has three other locations across LA and promises “authentic NY style Pizza”.

Norm’s Comes To Encino

Posted on January 20, 2021 by toddrickallen

Few eateries inspire such devotion as the ever-popular quintessential SoCal diner Norms Restaurant. It looks like the iconic marquis that inspired Ed Ruscha has risen in Encino. And it looks like they’re close to being finished in their new build-out at 16573 Ventura Blvd.

Kissaten Coffee / Wine Cafe Coming To Santa Monica…

Posted on January 17, 2021 by toddrickallen

Originally, I had reported that something called Kohi Cafe was coming to the space in the new multi-use complex at 3008 Santa Monica Blvd. in Santa Monica. But plans seem to have changed. A new sign just went up letting us all know that Kissaten Coffee / Wine Cafe is moving in. I don’t know exactly what to expect. A “kissaten” is a type of old-school Japanese lounge/coffee shop… I think. Please feel free to educate me if you know more.

Tempura Endo Changing Owners In Beverly Hills

Posted on January 16, 2021 by toddrickallen

It appears LA’s premier and exclusive destination for pricey deep-fried nibbles is about to change hands. There’s an ABC application on the front of Tempura Endo, at 9777 S Santa Monica Blvd. in Beverly Hills, indicating that the Japanese restaurant that caused quite a stir when it first opened is changing owners. While it remains COVID-closed, at least we can rest assured that a restaurant will be reopening at the location. I guess we’ll have wait and see what it will look like… (The new owner, Peace Dining, appears to be a big player in sushi.)

Piara Pizza Bringing New Pies To West LA

Posted on January 13, 2021 by toddrickallen

I recently noticed a large banner on a space in the strip mall on the corner of Sawtelle and Santa Monica Blvd. in West LA (11281 Santa Monica Blvd.). The banner is promising a new pie joint, Piara Pizza Fresh and Ready. Piara Pizza is an expanding, mostly West Coast chain, with two other locations in LA, and a whole lot more planned. No word on an opening date, but they look close.

Mashti Malone’s Coming To Westwood

Posted on January 10, 2021 by toddrickallen

It looks like Westwood is about to get a branch of a beloved Hollywood institution. Banners are up on the corner location at 1898 Westwood Blvd. announcing an impending arrival of Mashti Malone’s Ice Cream. Mashti Malone’s has long been the temple for devotees of Persian-style ice cream and other treats.

Jamba Juice Remains In Santa Monica

Posted on January 9, 2021 by toddrickallen

Good people of Santa Monica, your juice is back! Ever since the 4th and Santa Monica Blvd. branch closed after a troubled few months, die-hard fans of Jamba Juice have been forced to drive to get their favorite drinks. But no more… A sharp-eyed reader (Thanks SB!) spotted a new branch at 2461 Santa Monica Blvd.

Ramayani Gone From Westwood

Posted on January 6, 2021 by toddrickallen

On a tip from a reader (Thanks Ely!) I went by 1777 Westwood Blvd. to see what was going on with beloved Indonesian institution Ramayani. It looks like they won’t be reopening at this location. There’s a for lease sign hanging on the front. Truly a sad day for West LA’s dining scene. Their website does promise a resurrection in the San Fernando Valley “soon”. We wish them luck.

Federal Coffee Opens In West LA

Posted on January 3, 2021 by toddrickallen

An adorable new coffeeshop opens in West LA on Monday Jan 4th at 7am (according to their FB page). Federal Coffee will inhabit the charming retro-look bolthole and walk-up window at 11600 W Pico. Look for menu of all things java: espresso, latte, cold brew, and drip, as well as hot chocolate, matcha, and tea. And check out their Instagrammable “mug shot” wall. Check out their new website here. We wish them the best of luck.

Happy New Year From Toddrickallen!

Posted on December 31, 2020 by toddrickallen

Whew… What a year 2020 has been. I know I’m not alone in looking forward to a more hopeful 2021. It’s not been an easy year to post on restaurant news. I’m grateful for your readership and support, expecially those who send me leads. Personally I can’t wait to be able to sit in a restaurant once again. Until then, know that I am still here for you and I wish you all a safe, healthy, delicious New Year!

Izzy’s Deli In Santa Monica…

Posted on December 30, 2020 by toddrickallen

People have been wondering what was going on with beloved institution Izzy’s Deli, at 1433 Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica. A while ago, plywood covered the entire front, they appeared to be closed, and there was no explanation. (At the time, it wasn’t unusual for businesses in the area to be boarded up.) Some were concerned that the 24-hour eatery was permanently gone. Well, you can all breathe a collective sigh of relief. Recently a large banner went up informing us that they are in the midst of a “mandatory earthquake retrofit”. So, starting in February when they plan on reopening, not only will you be able to get their classic egg salad again, you’ll be safer as well.

Alfred Coffee Coming To Westwood Village

Posted on December 27, 2020 by toddrickallen

It appears that Westwood Village is about to get a new java joint. While there is no obvious sign, the windows of 1154 Westwood Boulevard (formerly site of Peet’s Coffee) are blackened with the words “But first, coffee”. You might recognize this phrase as the tagline for the sleek third-wave purveyor of caffeinated drinks Alfred Coffee.

Happy Holidays From Toddrickallen!

Posted on December 24, 2020 by toddrickallen

I know that this year may look a lot different than other years. But it is my sincerest wish that your Holidays are filled with reflection, celebration, and meaning. Be safe everyone, and let’s all get through this. Cheers!