Toddrickallen

The Westside at Its Finest

Redwood Grille’s Tree Felled In SMP

Posted on February 13, 2015 by toddrickallen

You have to hand it to the plucky restaurateurs who brave the stagnant dining scene on the third floor of Santa Monica Place. It takes a certain, for lack of a better word, courage to give it a go. Sadly, after a valiant effort, it appears that yet another one has bitten the dust. After a run of a year-and-a-half, Redwood Grille has closed its doors in the cavernous space facing the Promenade just as Xino did before it. No word on what’s replacing it. But there are signs of life on the third floor: The upcoming Cheesecake Factory and the new restaurant in the future Arclight Cinema should bring new life… hopefully…

And So It Begins At The Market At Santa Monica Place…

Posted on November 23, 2011 by toddrickallen

Wasn’t it just yesterday we were eagerly anticipating the changes at Santa Monica Place? Here are a few sad photos of the first round of casualties atop the hiccupping mall. As of Oct. 31st, Xino, the mod Chinese cavern once reviewed for the Times by Sister Irene herself is now caput. And I’m sure that many die-hard fans of Piero Salvaggio are wiping away a tear over the demise of Primi Al Mercato, his ambitious restaurant/retail space. Keep your fingers crossed that that’s all for now. I ran into a former employee of Primi who told me that they simply did not have the traffic, with some evenings seating only three tables. Sigh…