HaiDiLao Hot Pot, Shuck House, And More Changes Century City…

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Ever since the Westfield Century City Shopping Center’s glitzy and expensive makeover, restaurant news has been overshadowed by the big names (think Eataly).  But, as they always have, things change very suddenly in this mercurial food scene.  Here’s a what I observed recently…  On the second floor near Eataly, a new Sichuan charmer promising “flashy surroundings & theatrical servers“, HaiDiLao Hot Pot, is on the way.  Mezza Garden has closed up shop on the first floor.  And one of the last empty spaces in the food court will soon be home to Shuck House, a seafood and oyster bar that plans on opening in December.

Thai Vegan II Opens In Santa Monica

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Earlier this month, I told you about the teaser banner on the front of the space that used to house Pot & Pan Thai restaurant at 2315 Santa Monica Blvd.  Thai Vegan II recently opened as is now dishing all manner of veganized Thai specialties.  This is the sister restaurant of Main Street’s popular Thai Vegan, although my understanding is that the menus aren’t exactly the same.

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Casa Martin Expands To The Third Street Promenade

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Loteria Grill abruptly vacated its prime Downtown Santa Monica location at 1251 3rd St Promenade back in late 2016.  Since then, the space has sat vacant.  But that’s about to change.  Ocean Avenue’s humble tourist crowd pleaser Casa Martin is opening a branch at the location, at least according to a recently posted ABC application.  No business name is listed, so I’ll keep watching for more details…

 

Sweetgreen Coming To Montana Ave?

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If you follow this blog regularly, then you know how much I love to uncover stories from scraps of evidence.  But I have to give credit where credit is due…  I’ve been watching the new construction on the north side of Montana Ave. in Santa Monica, between 15th and 16th streets where an old parking lot used to sit, but I couldn’t uncover any concrete proposals for the site.  Then I heard from reader Patricia, who had caught wind of a rumor that the space was being converted into a branch of the popular purveyor of salads and bowls, Sweetgreen, which I couldn’t verify.  So Patricia went to work.  On an easily overlooked document for another Montana rental, she spotted Sweetgreen listed at that location, appearing to confirm the rumor.  (Don’t ask me how she found it, but it’s definitely there on page 6).  So while I still can’t prove it, Sweetgreen looks likely headed for Montana Ave.  The real story here is that detective work.  Brava Patricia!

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Musha Closes In Downtown Santa Monica

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I recently noticed that long-standing local fave Japanese bolthole Musha Tokyo Cuisine has quit its Downtown Santa Monica location at 424 Wilshire Blvd.  The windows are covered over and the restaurant appears to be undergoing renovation.  I originally wondered if they were remodeling since there is no for lease sign on the front.  But Yelp is reporting them closed and their website isn’t functioning, so I’m assuming the worst.  Let me know if you have any information, but I’ll keep watching…

 

 

Poké Bar Joins Forces With Cherry On Top In Culver City

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Self-serve frozen yogurt experts Cherry On Top opened back in 2014 in their corner spot at 12350 Washington Pl. in Culver City.  In addition to icy treats, they’ve now added Hawaiian bowls to the menu.  An outpost of Poké Bar is now up and running inside the location.  During their grand opening from July 12th through the 14th, you get 50% off all purchases. 

Spazio Caffe Disappears From Montana Ave.

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It was back in 2012 when I first noticed that a branch of Italian coffee specialists Spazio Caffe was on its way to 1511A Montana Ave. in Santa Monica.  Having built a loyal local following, it’s a bit surprising to discover that they have abandoned the location.  The space is completely gutted.  I’m not sure what happened but I’ll keep watching to see what develops. Spazio.jpg

 

4 Jems Opening A Restaurant In Santa Monica

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It appears that something new is coming the space that used to house the second incarnation of Books and Cookies at 2309 Main St. in Santa Monica, at least according to a recently posted ABC application.  The application lists the applicant as 4 Jems Restaurants LLC, but omits an actual business name.  An online search yields links to buzzy Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken in LA.  So, I guess we’ll have to wait and see what develops.  Let me know if you have any information…

 

 

Redstraw Bringing Fusion Style Tea To Century City

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I recently noticed fresh plywood covering the space next to upcoming Honeymee on the second floor of the Westfield Century City Shopping Center.  It appears that a new startup, Redstraw Tea Bar, is joining the still-developing lengthy list of new food and drink establishments.  On offer? According to their website, look for “fusion style tea with a variety of toppings”.  They are shooting for a summer opening.

 

Panera Bread Closes In Westwood

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On a tip from a reader (Thanks Steve), I went by to check out what was going on at Westwood’s branch of sandwich chain Panera Bread.  A large space available sign on the front confirms that they have indeed vacated the location at 1145 Westwood Blvd.  Not sure what happened, although I can’t help but wonder if stiff competition from their ever popular neighbor Ike’s had something to do with it.  I’ll keep watching to see what may develop…

 

 

The Dudes’ Brewing Company Now Open In Santa Monica

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Back in August of last year, I told you about a sign of hope in the risky restaurant scene on the third floor of Santa Monica Place.  An ABC application let us know that Torrance’s The Dudes’ Brewing Company was taking over the commodious space once occupied by Pizza Antica.  So, for all you who have been patiently waiting and checking for updates, I deliver this happy news: The Dudes’ officially opened its doors last week and is now supplying craft-brewed suds and pizza to the good people of Santa Monica.

 

CrepeMaker Done, The Market Converts Into A Museum In Santa Monica Place

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Still more signs of trouble for the consistently sputtering food scene in Santa Monica Place.  It appears that another of the concessions on the third floor has disappeared.  CrepeMaker has unceremoniously vacated its food court location.  In other news…  If you were hopeful that the failed The Market space might return with the promise of a new food venture, I’m afraid your hopes are about to be dashed on the rocks.  In case you haven’t heard,  the space is being converted into the Zimmer Children’s Museum, at least according to the new window displays.  Perhaps the Dudes’ Brewing Company, currently under construction, will breathe new life into the third floor.

 

The Refinery Ceases Production In Downtown Santa Monica

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Bursting on the scene back in 2012, The Refinery specialized in brew-to-order drip coffee.  Sadly, it appears that they have disappeared from their space at 413 Santa Monica Blvd. in Downtown Santa Monica.  An impressive note on the door graciously says goodbye to many of their loyal customers, each listed by name.