What’s New In The Original Farmers Market, Santa Monica?

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Here are some upcoming changes coming soon to The Original Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax:  Eastern European experts Stara are bringing pierogi and kielbasa the mix.  Here’s a look at their menu.  And on the Northern side of the food court, there’s a banner up declaring the new inhabitant to be none other than beloved iconic Italian sandwich chain All’Antico Vinaio.  Their website also spills the beans of a new Santa Monica location as well.  SMDP has the full skinny on the upcoming Downtown Santa Monica location here.

Levain Bakery Blessing Venice With Cookies Soon…

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New York’s crazy/popular purveyor of baked goods is opening a second LA location.  There’s window paper up on the old Lemonade space at 1661 Abbot Kinney announcing the arrival of Levain Bakery.  Levain Bakery began in NYC in 1995 and has since grown to a smattering of locations around New York and other locations including Larchmont Village.  They are famous for ridiculously good handmade cookies that they describe as, “crispy, chewy, soft and melty”.

(Thanks Robert!)

Bangkok BBQ Bowl Opens In Sawtelle

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There a new banner hanging on one of the spaces in the strip mall on the corner of Sawtelle and Santa Monica Blvd. in West LA (11281 Santa Monica Blvd.).  Bangkok BBQ Bowl is now in soft opening and offers a menu of “authentic Thai BBQ” with such things as beef khao soi, krapow chicken rice bowl, and “sexy wings” (their signature wings glazed with a house-made sauce).  As an opening promotion, you can get a free Thai tea when you order a rice bowl.  Check out their full menu here.

A Message From Toddrickallen…

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It’s been so deeply painful to witness the devastation to our community and others over the past week.  My heart aches for those who have lost so much.  The sadness hangs in the air as thickly as the smoke.  But so does resiliency.  I’m buoyed by the fortitude and determination to rebuild and to assist.  I have an immense amount of appreciation and gratitude for first responders who tirelessly risk their own lives.  I will be back with more content soon, but right now my attention is on helping my community begin to heal.  Please consider making donations to organizations that are on the ground right now, such as World Central Kitchen and the American Red Cross.  Be safe over the next few days.

Update:  Read Derek’s comment below for more ways to donate.

Pura Vida Miami Coming To Beverly Hills?

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A reader has done some detective work and believes he has uncovered that Florida health and wellness brand Pura Vida Miami is moving into the former home of The Farm of Beverly Hills, at 439 N Beverly Dr.  While I cannot absolutely confirm this, the recent window paper, which doesn’t name the new business, does contain the phrases “Another Day in Paradise”, “Health is Happiness”, and “From Miami with Love”.  These phrases point to Pura Vida‘s mission statement on their website.  What Now Los Angeles also has this story about a Malibu location.  If true, these would be the first West Coast outposts for the healthy eatery.

(Thanks MC!)

Le Cafe De La Plage Expanding On Montana Ave.

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The Good People of Santa Monica love an outdoor cafe.  Along Montana Ave., La La Land, Sogno Toscano, Bardonna, and M&D Margos are packed virtually all day long.  Another success story is French charmer Le Cafe de la Plage, at 1301 Montana Ave.  They recently expanded their outdoor seating area, and now it appears they are also taking over the adjacent storefront at 1303 Montana, most recently home to lauded raw seafood purveyor Savida.

Happy New Year from Toddrickallen!

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At this time of year, I like to pause and express heart-felt appreciation for all who read and support this site.   A very special thanks to all who take the time to send tips, emails, and comments.   You all make writing this blog worthwhile.  As we look forward to another year of LA food scene craziness, I’ll be right there with you as your trusted source for Westside food news.  I wish everyone a joyful, prosperous, and delicious 2025! 

Voodoo Donuts Opening On Melrose

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A sharp-eyed reader has been busy uncovering what is taking over the space that used to be home to a Chipotle, on the corner of LaBrea and Melrose, next door to legendary Pink’s Hot Dogs.  An Instagram teaser appears to spill the beans that cult fave bakeshop Voodoo Donuts will be setting up housekeeping at 7101 Melrose.   Voodoo Donuts began in Portland in 2003, and has since grown to 19 locations across seven states.  They have garnered a lot of media attention and are known for “imaginative and distinctive doughnut flavors“.

(Thanks Lily!)

New Year’s Eve Pub Crawl

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This from my inbox:

New Years Eve Pub Crawl

Tue., Dec. 31 / Various Santa Monica Bars / 6pm-2am / $20+

Say goodbye to boring and hello to a night filled with VIP treatment, exclusive drink specials, and a whole lot of fun!

Spend the night hopping between the hottest bars in Santa Monica with VIP entry and drink deals as low as $4 drafts and 2-for-1 premiums & champagnes! 

Here’s the scoop: Registration: 6-10pm @ Barney’s Beanery or Jameson’s Pub, party till 2am, free entry to multiple hotspots, VIP access to exclusive after-party, unforgettable happy hours, no cover charges, and deals all night!

Whether you’re a local or just here to party, we’ve got the best NYE plans!

Tickets and more information here.

Changes In Downtown Culver City

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A concerned reader messaged me about some prominent closures along Culver Blvd. in Downtown Culver City.   Chipotle, Sweet Lily, Shake Shack have vacated their respective locations.  Janga by Derrick’s is also gone.  Not sure what happened (except for Shake Shack, which you can read about here), but their disappearance leaves some gaping holes in a normally busy dining scene.

(Thaks Mitch!)

Crust & Crave Coming To Beverly Center

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There’s plywood up on one of the sixth-floor spaces, next to Macy’s, in the beloved shopping paradise Beverly Center.  Written in clear cursive is the name Crust & Crave.  If you go to the Beverly Center website, there’s little description except for a picture of a sandwich.  The website given links to a food court development.  If you have more information, let me know…

Bread + Butter Bringing Pastry And Coffee From Australia To Santa Monica Soon

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It appears a new Australian bakeshop is making its first US appearance.  There’s a notice up on the space that used to be the location for a short-lived GGET, at 2645 Main St. in Santa Monica, announcing the arrival of Bread + Butter.  While I don’t have much information on this business, they do have three locations in Tasmania and their website confirms this location.  What will be on offer?   Exceptional “fresh pastries + sourdough bread every day” using 100% cultured butter. 

Fitoor (Finally) Opens In Santa Monica On…

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inally)Ever since I first told you about an exciting new Indian concept moving into the old Herringbone space at 1755 Ocean Ave Ste 103 in Santa Monica, I have been peppered with questions about an opening date.  I have it on good authority that Fitoor will soft open with “limited seating” on Monday, December 9th.  With another location in San Jose, Fitoor (Hindi for ‘Passion’) is the highly anticipated restaurant from the tech people behind San Fransisco’s buzzy Rooh.  Read my original story here for more information. 

Palms N’ Patties Opening A Storefront In Santa Monica

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Another new eatery is landing in the new shopping center that was formerly a bank on the corner of Wilshire and Berkeley in Santa Monica, the same shopping center (3032 Wilshire) that is home to Oakberry Acai and delightful Portuguese egg tart purveyor Paderia.  Their new neighbor will be Palms n’ Patties.  And what is that?  Their menu appears to be straightforward burgers and fries.

Happy Thanksgiving From Toddrickallen!

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I’d like to take this moment to thank all my dedicated readers and everyone who visits this site and wish all a very Happy Thanksgiving.  I’m so very grateful to you for giving me the inspiration and support to keep exploring the excitement of the LA food scene.  May your Holiday be a warm celebration filled with great food, family and friends, fun!

pie

Mochidoki Quits Montana Ave.

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I first caught wind a New York-based “high-quality mochi ice cream” shop was opening its first West Coast location back in May of 2023.  It took a long time (this is Santa Monica after all), but Mochidoki finally threw open their doors at 1133 Montana Ave in August of last year.  Sadly, after a little more than a year, it appears Mochidoki has closed up shop at this location.  If you’ve become a fan, you can still find their icy treats at the locations listed s on the poster below.

Doner Corner Coming To Brentwood

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The space at 11916 Wilshire in Brentwood has gone through a number of incarnations over the last few years.  Most recently it was The Upper Crust Pizza.  Before that it was a French restaurant, and before that another pizzeria.  But now a new name has gone up on the iconic sign: Doner Corner is moving in and refurbishing the space.  Promising “the true essence of Turkish cuisine”, you can expect a menu of doner, falafel, kibbeh, hummus, and more.