Tag Archives: Beverly Hills

MR CHOW NOW coming to Century City

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There’s plywood over one of the stalls in the Westfield Century City Shopping Center announcing the arrival of MR CHOW NOW.  What is that, and what is its relationship to nearby MR CHOW, Beverly Hills’ glittering branch of the exclusive and iconic MR CHOW empire?  According to this job site, this will be a “fast casual expansion” of the brand.  Not many other details so I guess we’ll have to wait and see.  (I’m hoping for hand-pulled noodles?)  They are aiming for a late Autumn opening.

Santa 

Matū Bringing Steak Perfection To Brentwood

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It appears the people behind Beverly Hills’ popular sophisticated steakhouse Matū are bringing their passion for exceptional beef to Brentwood.  A sharp-eyed reader (Thanks Jack!) noticed an ABC application on the front of a former men’s clothing store at 11777 San Vicente Blvd. Ste 134, just to the right of Katsuya.  While the application doesn’t give away the business name, the applicant is Grass Fed Wagyu LLC, the parent company behind the stylish steakhouse.  The online application does appear to confirm that this will be the location of a new Matū.  Construction is underway, so an opening may be a way off, but until then, read about restauranteur Jerry Greenberg‘s (UOVO, SUGARFISH, HiHo Cheeseburger) pursuit of steak perfection here.  

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

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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

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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

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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?!?

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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

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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.

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!)

Flour Shop Disappears From Beverly Hills

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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…

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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

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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

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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

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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 Sweetfin.  Sweetfin 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

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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

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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…

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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?

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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

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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

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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

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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.