LGO Hospitality introduced La Grande Orange Cafe just under two years ago to Main Street in Santa Monica. Now, word just in that Lettuce Entertain You, the Chicago-based hospitality firm which has been part of LGO SM since its inception, announces plans to take over full ownership of the venue, changing the restaurant's name from La Grande Orange Cafe to M Street Kitchen on April 14. To start, M Street will serve a similar LGO menu with many of the restaurant's most popular eats (Brussels Sprout Salad, the Green Chili Burger), though over the coming months new seasonal dishes will be added.
Meanwhile, remember the rumors about a pizza place opening up next door? Well, Lettuce Entertain You plans to debut Stella Rossa Pizza Bar, a Neapolitan-style pizzeria serving 12-13-inch pizzas (baked at 650°F) topped with locally grown, seasonal ingredients. Varieties to include Margherita, Charred Pepperoni, Quattro Fromaggi, Shaved Mushroom, and Spicy Calabrian. In addition to pizza guests can expect salads, cheese, and charcuterie.
While Stella Rossa is currently under construction, once complete the restaurant will feature an open kitchen, exposed brick, reclaimed wood floors, and a 15-seat pizza bar. The restaurant itself can accommodate 50 seated diners. [EaterWire]