Oops… A New Spot Of Trouble For Sweet Lady Jane In Santa Monica

The entire Westside heaved a sigh of relief when I reported that bakery darling Sweet Lady Jane had been saved from oblivion.  (Read the story of how that happened here.)  But, after a triumphant opening of some locations this week, Santa Monica’s newly opened branch has apparently hit a snag.  There’s an LA County notice of closure affixed to the front door.  There’s also an explanation from the current owner, who places the blame squarely on “ex-owners who didn’t request permits for their remodels”.  They are apparently scrambling to make things right as soon as possible.  The drama of the triple berry cake continues…

Hey Tea Bringing “New Style Tea” To Beverly Hills

It looks like The Golden Triangle is about to get a lot sweeter.  There’s window paper up on the space that has housed many businesses, but most recently John Kelly Chocolates, at 9523 S Santa Monica Blvd.  Hey Tea began life in 2012 in Guangdong, China and offers a proprietary “New Style” of tea that uses “real milk, real fruits, real premium tea, and real cane sugar” with intriguing flavors such as “Very Grape Cheezo”, “Very Persimmon Crystal”, and “Roasted Brown Bobo Milk”.

The Farm Of Beverly Hills Bids Adieu

Sadly, after a long run as one of Beverly Hills’ go-to spots for breakfast/lunch, a solid local fave is about to close its doors.  Scrawled on the chalkboard that hangs on the front of The Farm of Beverly Hills‘ 439 N. Beverly Drive location are the words, “Thank you for 26 years! March 3rd will be our last day of service“. That means you still have a few days to snag a table and reminisce about all those power lunches from years gone by….

(Thanks Tony!)

Sweet Lady Jane Returning To Santa Monica?!?

Despair no longer Good People of Santa Monica, Triple Berry Cakes may be returning!  On a tip from a reader (Thanks Missy!), I went by the very empty former location of beloved bakery Sweet Lady Jane at 1631 Montana in Santa Monica.  You may recall they recently abruptly pulled up stakes, much to the shock of fans.  Sure enough, as you can see, there is a hopeful note attached to the front door that promises they will be “opening again soon”.  I don’t have any information on the other locations.  There’s obviously more to this story so I’ll keep watching this surprising development.

Update: Here’s the complete skinny on Eater. 

Bacari Beverly Hills Coming To The Golden Triangle

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 HillsBacari 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.

Palm Restaurant Waves Goodbye To Beverly Hills

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!)

Flour Shop Disappears From Beverly Hills

It was only back in 2020 when I first told you about Amirah Kassem‘s famed New York bakery Flour Shop landing in the space at 9495 S Santa Monica Blvd.  Sadly, they have abandoned the cavernous location.  But for those devotees of their famous “explosion cake” all is not lost:  A note on the door promises that they are moving to a new yet-unnamed LA location.

(Thanks Tony!)

The Cheese Store Of Beverly Hills Is Moving…

Since 1967, Beverly Hills’ destination for fine cheese and luxury foods and gifts has been The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills.  In a somewhat surprising move, they are changing locations from their charming and cozy current home at 419 N Beverly Dr. to new digs at 9705 S Santa Monica Blvd, across two storefronts.  Perhaps those searching for the perfect white truffle will bring more foot traffic to this sleepier part of The Golden Triangle.  According to the note on the door, they are currently closed at both locations and will be open (at least for online orders) after July 9.

Boulon D’Amour Spreads The Love To Beverly Hills

Local java darling Boulon D’Amour is heading to Beverly Hills.  There’s a sign up already at 319 N Canon Dr, formerly home to Le Mervetty French Pastry Shop.  Boulon D’Amour (which translates from French as “bolt of love”) currently has two other locations, including their charming first shop on Washington Blvd.  Expect a menu of various coffees, teas, signature drinks, and toasts.

Strings Ramen “Upgrading” To A Curry House In Beverly Hills

I first told you about Strings Ramen, the Chicago-based Japanese concept, back in early 2021, when it began to take form at 255 S Beverly Dr in Beverly Hills.  It was open briefly but is now closed again.  A note in the window lets us know that this is a temporary closure and that they will be “upgrading to a Curry House”.  Looks like they’re aiming for an August re-opening.

Sweetfin Dishing Fish In Beverly Hills Soon

Planet Smoothie made a brief appearance at 193 1/2 S Beverly Dr. in Beverly Hills, then unceremoniously disappeared. Now the address is getting a new tenant.  Window paper is up announcing the arrival of SweetfinSweetfin describes itself as a “healthful, chef-driven, California-inspired poke and plant-based bowl concept” that has locations throughout SoCal.

Pop’s Bagels Coming To Beverly Hills

Congratulations Good People of Beverly Hills, fresh warm carbs are heading your way!  There’s window paper up on the space at 447 N Beverly Dr announcing the arrival of Pop’s Bagels.  With three other locations, Pop’s Bagels has become a sensation known for their three flavors of bagels (plain, everything, and cinnamon raisin) that are made in small batches throughout the day ensuring crispy, hot perfection.  They also make their own cream cheeses and cultured butter from scratch.  

Da Pasquale Says Goodbye To Beverly Hills After 35 Years

It saddens me to see Westside time-honored institutions close.  It can feel like the end of a classic era.  Sadly, it appears that Da Pasquale Trattoria has left their commodious home at 9749 S Santa Monica Blvd in Beverly Hills.  A gracious note on the front door doesn’t give a reason but expresses gratitude and love to its loyal customers for the last 35 years.  Thanks for the memories…

(Thanks Eric!)

Breadblok Abruptly Closes All Locations…

I’m hearing from startled readers that popular gluten-free organic bakery and lunch spot Breadblok has abruptly closed all its locations including their first brick-and-mortar on Montana Ave in Santa Monica.  An announcement on Instagram explains that “the combination of the impact of COVID as well as the inflationary pressure on our costs” is the culprit behind the sad news.  We wish them the best of luck for their next chapter. (Thanks Tara and others!)

What’s Coming To 362 Camden Dr. in Beverly Hills?

The space at 362 Camden has seen a few restaurants come and go, most recently Madeo and Domo before that.  Now a new contender is giving the tricky location a try.  An ABC application recently went up on the front that doesn’t list a business name.  The applicant is listed as CIP Camden BH Manager LLC.  Could the CIP be a reference to famous Italian brand Cipriani, which was reported to be coming to this address a year and half ago?  Hmmm….

Gravitas Coming To Beverly Hills

An eagle-eyed reader (Thanks Deryck!) wrote to tell me about a new ABC application on the cavernous build-out at 433 N Camden in Beverly Hills (corner of S Santa Monica).  While the plywood prevents us from seeing what is going on inside, the application lists the name of the new eatery as Gravitas.  I don’t have any more information than that, but I’m sensing a big story here.  Let me know if you have any answers…

Parakeet Cafe Coming To Brentwood

San Diego’s Parakeet Cafe continues its push into LA County.  Last year, I told you about the health-focused chain taking over the old Chin Chin space in Beverly Hills.  Recently, window paper went up at 13050 San Vicente Blvd. suite 112, most recently home to a mysterious branch of Umami Burger ghost kitchen, announcing that a new branch of Parakeet Cafe is settling in at this address as well.  Check out another location’s menu here to get an idea of what may be coming…

Beverly Hills Cookies Bringing Famous Treats To Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills is about to get a whole lot sweeter…  There’s a small notice in the window of the space at 255 1/2 S Beverly Dr. (previously home to Chokolatta) announcing the impending arrival of Beverly Hills Cookies.  If that name sounds familiar, it’s because they’ve had a presence at many of LA’s top events for years.  I had a chance to talk to company rep Barry, who gave me the skinny on the new brick-and-mortar.  Beverly Hills Cookies specializes in proprietary artisan gourmet cookies, but this store will have a whole lot more on offer. They will also have new and unique “soft-serve gelato” cups and milkshakes in flavors such as Beverly Hills Chocolate Chunk and Tripple Chocolate. There will also be rich European-style hot chocolate and coffee drinks that I’m guaranteed will be completely different from other shops in the area.  Expect an opening in a few weeks, and I’m told they’re also looking to expand as well.  We wish them the best of luck.

Breadblok Coming To Venice

Good news People of Venice, honey lavender cakes are heading your way!  Popular organic gluten-free bakery/cafe Breadblok is moving into the space at 512C Rose Ave.  Ever since the French Provencal bakery moved from farmers’ markets to brick-and-mortar back in 2020, they’ve been slowly expanding with locations in Santa Monica, Silverlake, Studio City, and an upcoming location in Beverly Hills as well.

Impasta Expanding To Downtown Santa Monica

With one location in Beverly Hills, it appears that the “no regretti spaghetti” folks at Impasta are expanding their operation westward.  There’s window paper up at 413 Santa Monica Blvd. announcing the impending arrival.  You may recall that this particular block was nearly destroyed in May of 2020, but has been slowly reviving with the arrival of Blue Bottle, MIXT, and now ImpastaImpasta 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, cauliflower crusts”, and no red meat.