Remember back in May when a reader sent me to the empty space at 2212 Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica to check out an recently posted ABC application? At the time, I couldn’t find out much information on the business listed as “Miracle Scoops”. But a small now hiring notice taped to the front door spills the beans. It appears that this location will be a branch of expanding minichain Kanpai Japanese Sushi Bar and Grill.
Back in May, I told you about the demise of Rawkin Juice from the location at 705 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica. And now it looks like there’s a new tenant moving in. Window signage is up informing us that this will be a branch of meal delivery service Fresh n’ Lean. Promising healthy food that is “Fresh as F*#!” (their slogan painted on the wall inside), Fresh n’ Lean has locations throughout the U.S.
This is a bit mysterious… What was formerly a short-lived Bobarrito at 1321 Third St. Promenade in Santa Monica has morphed into something called Pink Sushi. I’m not sure what’s going on here, but I’ll keep watching to see what develops.
It seems like you can’t swing a dead cat in Santa Monica without hitting a branch of ubiquitous sandwich chain Subway. That’s why it’s surprising the one located at 3023 Wilshire Blvd. closed down. And the replacement? Competitor Jimmy John’s is about to give Santa Monica its first branch.
And while we’re on the subject of closures… I’m not sure when this happened, but I only recently noticed that Santa Monica’s popular sushi restaurant and after work bar scene Wokcano has quietly disappeared from its location at 1413 5th St. in Downtown Santa Monica. I’ll keep watching to see what hopeful contender may vie for the cavernous space.
Thanks to a tip from eagle-eyed reader Frank, who’s been keeping watch on the erstwhile home of O + O Sicilian Kitchen in Santa Monica, I went by to check things out. Easy to miss, a new ABC Application has gone up on the front door. It appears that a branch of Rakkan Ramen will soon be moving into the space 1705 Ocean Ave. Suite 111 (Behind the former Joan’s on Third). The Japanese chain has two other locations around LA, and is known for its plant-based dashi that is easily customized to accommodate vegans.
For all you who lament RFD’s club sandwich’s disappearance from Santa Monica, have hope! I have it on good authority that Real Food Daily will be triumphantly returning to Santa Monica sometime next year. Although I don’t have an actual address yet, look for a location somewhere along Ocean Ave. I’ll keep my eyes open…
Remember back in July, when I told you about some incredible detective work sent to me by a reader, Patricia? Practically out of thin air, she had deduced that the new building that was under construction at Montana Ave. between 15th and 16th streets was soon to be home to Santa Monica’s second branch of popular salad slingers, Sweetgreen. I couldn’t get confirmation, but I passed this info along based on her confidence and the evidence she provided. Turns out, she was right. Paper is now up on the window for all to see that Sweetgreen will soon have a new location on Montana Ave.
Well that didn’t take long… It was only back in August when I told you about the abrupt closure of local fave Pradeep’s at 1405 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica. Then, days later, window paper informed us that something called Prima Baja Cocina was swiftly moving in. With so many of you following this story, I’m amazed to tell you that Prima Baja Cocina officially opened last night (Wednesday, Oct. 3rd). If you follow the restaurant scene ’round these parts, then you know that such a fast turnaround in Santa Monica is practically miraculous. Look for a tight and well thought out menu of Baja-style tacos, salads, starters, and larger plates in a bright and airy atmosphere with friendly staff. (Check out the prototype menu below, but I’m told it’s still in development and subject to change.) We wish them the best of luck.
Update: Eater has more of the details here.
I’ve long reported on the redevelopment of The Gallery, at 1325 Third St. Promenade in Downtown Santa Monica. What was formerly a fusty old collection of nondescript eateries has been transforming into a destination with some big names attached. You already know about Dialogue, and Voltaggio STRFSH, and recently you’ve been reading about Sumo Dog and Azulé Taqueria. And now add one more to the list. The Promenade-facing, second floor space is the future home of Paperboy. Paperboy appears to be the creation of Jeremy Fall (Nighthawk: Breakfast Bar), that in partnership with United Talent Agency, will deliver “a new innovative take on the classic pizza joint“.
Ever since I first told you about wine wonderland Wally’s impending arrival to the space at 214 Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica, a whole lot of you have been checking for details and peppering me with questions about an opening date. So here you go… A spokesperson informed me yesterday that Wally’s will officially throw open their doors on October 6th. You’re welcome.
In Santa Monica, where there’s a dearth of fast food choices, a drive-through restaurant closure stands out. On a tip from a reader (Thanks Joe!), I went to check out what was going on at the Carl’s Jr. at 2727 Santa Monica Blvd. The location is indeed closed, and the entire property has been fenced off. I’m not sure if this is permanent or a remodel, so I’ll keep watching…
Update: After much speculation, one reader has uncovered evidence that Carl’s Jr. is not gone, but rather remodeling. See for yourself here.
Sadly, after a valiant effort, Santa Monica’s French charmer Chou Chou Café has closed up shop. A gracious note taped to the front of the troubled space at 313 Wilshire Blvd. thanks patrons and promises a relocation soon. We wish them the best of luck. I’ll keep watching to see what develops.
Back in July, Eater let us know that Koreatown’s hip hot dog spot Sumo Dog was planning a move to Santa Monica, but they couldn’t confirm the location. Now it appears that we have evidence for their new digs. An ABC application taped to the wall of one of the interior spaces of The Gallery, at 1320 Third St. Promenade, provides the proof that Sumo Dog will indeed be landing in the same desirable location as STRFSH, Dialogue, and Sloan’s.
Comfort food expert Fork-In Aussie Pie Kitchen is closing its beach adjacent location at 2510 Main St. Suite B in Santa Monica. But no need to feel sorry for them. They are actually closing this location so they can focus on expanding the brand, including into retail according to a spokesperson. And what’s next for the prime space? I was informed by the Aussie Pie folks that a new French restaurant is moving in. An ABC application is posted, but no business name is listed. The applicant, Maison Thouvard LLC, has ties to Santa Barbara.
It was only about 2 weeks ago that I told you about the sad demise of Santa Monica institution Pradeep’s at 1405 Montana Ave. At the time I had heard that a new Mexican restaurant was expected, but I had no details. The wait is over: Paper recently went up in the windows giving us the name of the new eatery. There isn’t much information out there on Prima Baja Cocina, except for a developing website that promises us tacos and a September opening.
Sadly, after 23 years, beloved neighborhood institution Pradeep’s Indian Cuisine has closed up shop at 1405 Montana Ave. Check out their gracious goodbye note below. Wasting no time whatsoever, a new eatery appears to be moving in. While I don’t have any concrete information, I’m hearing whispers that it will be a Mexican restaurant. I’ll keep watching…
Well I didn’t see this coming… It appears that Santa Monica’s ever-popular branch of burrito specialist Baja Fresh has quietly disappeared from their anchor position on the corner of Wilshire and Lincoln in Santa Monica. Not sure what happened, but I’ll keep watching to see what develops.
Ever since Blue Plate exited the space at 1415 Montana Ave., I’ve been watching to see what might develop. The wait is over. According to signs that went up this week, the site will soon be home to a branch of Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC. With locations in New York, Orlando, and on Larchmont, you can expect confectionary treats that are vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and kosher.
The last remaining soldier in the Market, that once promised us a Ferry Building-style experience atop Santa Monica Place, has finally found a new home. The popular culinary academy The Gourmandise School has now opened in their elegant new space across the way, next to the also recently relocated The Curious Palate. And what of the Market at Santa Monica Place? As I’ve already told you, it looks poised to become a children’s museum, thereby completely extinguishing any further gastronomic hopes.
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