Bigger Whole Foods at Third and Fairfax

Whole Foods wine bar, Arroyo store

Racked LA has it that the Whole Foods at Third and Fairfax is undergoing a huge expansion for your shopping and salivating pleasure. The store took over Wigs and Things, Anna’s Linens and the Thai Patio restaurat so it an grow an extra 10,000 square feet. We assume this means all the departments will get the blow-out treatment to look and operate like some of the newer ones around SoCal, but one thing to note for you eaters/drinkers: The CUP license mentions "wine tasting events." Yes, that means a wine and tapas bar like the ones in the fancy new Pasadena and El Segundo stores.
· Breaking Mega Expansion Alert: Whole Foods Third St [Racked LA]
· Liveblogging Whole Foods: Nothing Like a Glass of Wine Before Aisle 4 [~ELA~]

EaterWire: Sheddy's Will Finally Uphold Two-For-One Deal, Aroma Bakery in Hollywood

FAIRFAX/THIRD: The little bar that could finally will: Sheddy's, which announced a big St. Patrick's Day opening with the promise of cheap beer and wine, didn't open, but will make a second (or is it third?) attempt on April 1. Better not be an April Fool's joke. The locals are getting restless for the two-for-one discounts. [Blackburn and Sweetzer]

HOLLYWOOD: A tipster sends word that the Aroma Bakery and Café is planning a move into the former Rock & Roll Denny's/Roman's space on Sunset: I live across the street and just got their "intent to sell booze" notice---paraphrasing, of course. That would be a great addition to the 'hood. Plus the tagging was getting way out of control, not to mention the homeless setting up camp in the parking lot... bring the hookers back and it would've been the 90's all over again! (btw, I think it's the sister café of the one on Ventura in the valley, not the one on Tujunga — though I wish it were!)" That last part is confirmed: Second location for the Encino Aroma Bakery & Café. [EaterWire Inbox]

ECHO PARK: We've been queried but don't know the answer yet. Perhaps one of you sweet, sweet readers can help: "Any info on The Park in Echo Park? On the corner of Sunset and Douglas in the former El Autentico space. Soft opening this week. I live in the area and received a postcard." [EaterWire Inbox]

Non-Open Report: Sheddy's, South Delayed

Two newcomers were supposed to open for the big St. Patrick's Day weekend, but turns out delays got the best of both. Therefore, the Non-Open Report.

Broken promises, Blackburn and Sweetzer

FAIRFAX & THIRD: We, among others, thought Sheddy's, the English-esque pub that took over Bodega de Cordova would open with $3 pints and two-for-one wine specials on March 14th, but a few people headed over to find the place still closed. Per the heartfelt signage in the window (click to enlarge), liquor license issues are to blame, but it's "looking great." [Blackburn and Sweetzer/All Kinds of Yum]

SANTA MONICA: Perhaps for the same reasons, the new Southern restaurant and bar South had to push things back a week or so. Co-owner Adam Milstein told us they hoped to open on March 14, but if all goes well, it should debut on March 27. South took over the former Punch Grill. [EaterWire]

The Dish: Siena, Sheddy's, Marty D's

Former Greco's, now Siena

PASADENA: Wandering through Old Town last week, we stumbled upon a "now open" sign for Siena in the former and very short-lived Greco spot. Not that Old Town needs another Italian restaurant, but our guess is it was easier to keep the theme than completely renovate. It's a sister restaurant for the Castenedas, who took over Xiomara around the corner and turned it into Mojitos. Siena is only open for lunch until it gets its liquor license, then it goes to dinner. (43 E Union St., 626.854.6050)

FAIRFAX/3RD: New owners took over the teensy Spanish wine bar Bodega de Cordova and turned into Sheddy's. We thought it was an Irish pub considering it's almost March 17 debut, but Thrillist says it's English with velvet alcoves, church pews, and various ales and stouts on tap, plus some Belgians in the bottle. Instead of a jukebox, you can sign up to do a 30-minute iPod DJ slot. (361 S. Fairfax, 323.651.1442 )

BEVERLY HILLS: In more wiener news, Marty D's has opened. Sandy (an interior designer) and filmmaker Marty Davidson turned the former Zen Zoo Tea into a cute little soda-shop looking place for dessert and dogs. Dandy Don's ice cream is used in the sundaes---including the eight-scoop "The Works," costing a cool $24.95. As far as those wieners go: The buns are from a recipe he helped perfect, chicken sausages are from a local vendor, and he has the kosher dogs shipped in from the East Coast. (230 S Beverly Dr, 310.273.7771)

The full Marty D's menu, next >>

Bodega de Cordova Now Sheddy's

From our most successful Name That Venue run ever, the teensy Bodega de Cordova on Fairfax officially closed. According to signage, it's now Sheddy's, which will have its grand opening March 14-17. From the former Bodega owner, a goodbye note:

It's been a great three years and we've loved serving you, but I am passing the torch to a friend for the next great time. Bodega DeCordova is going to new ownership in February.

A few things will change but the beer & wine will remain so stay tuned. The new bar will re-open in March 2008 with a very cool new vibe.

We get an Irish bar vibe with the name and timing, but no confirmation on that yet. Wonder if Kenny and Raul ever made it to Miami?
· Sheddy's opens in Bodega de Cordova [Eating L.A.]
· Further Proof that Bodega de Cordova is Closing [~ELA~]

WTF Is An Èple?

We received this snap of the cryptic Èple signage in the Farmers Market and a note: "It seems to be an extension of Pinkberry. The design is almost the same, but right in front of it there is a free-floating island with stainless steel troughs with drains in them, something that looks like it's meant to hold ice or something." The sign and space do seem very Pinkberryesque. And what is it they're harvesting? We called the adjacent Pinkberry, and two swirlers confirmed it's owned by Pinkberry. One said it's a fruit stand, but the other person grabbed the phone and quickly said, "We don't know what it is yet." Tune your thoughts to the wrong place, and an Èple can sound like something nasty you get on your Pinkberry. WTF? Èple? Have fun with it. Comments awaits.

BREAKING: Kokomo Leaving Farmer's Market

Photo from Here in Van Nuys, Flickr

A reader just alerted us to some changes at the historic Farmer's Market: "I had breakfast at the Kokomo Cafe yesterday and was told that they were moving locations." Well this is big news on many, many fronts. First, it might not be as old as Du-par's, but Kokomo has an extremely loyal local fan base. We're told that it's taking over the the Eat Well location on Beverly Boulevard and will open by mid-February. That Eat Well and Kokomo Cafe are both owned by Alfredo Diaz (he also owned the Silver Lake location, now closed and currently in escrow, but not the WeHo or Glendale locations), so the move will be swift, and hopefully seamless. Both restaurants will remain open during the transition.

No word on what's in store for the empty Kokomo space at Third and Fairfax, but rumors are already flying that it will be something "chainy," especially since that side of the market already has Pinkberry and Starbucks. The closing date is quite vague, too; we're told by someone in the company that it isn't necessarily closing by Feb, but "sometime in the next couple of months." And even more Kokomo news: Diaz will open a "free-standing" location somewhere near Park La Brea later this year.

Frozen Yogurt Wars Hit Mid-City: Pinkberry Opens at Farmers Market Today

Image via Taste-Buzz

We get the "groupie" email, but we're not groupies. Just war correspondents. Pinkberry opened it's newst location at the Farmers Market today. Good for Grove shoppers, tourists and pretty much anyone who doesn't care what they put in their mouths. Unfortunately, even the Farmers Market thinks it's yogurt: "If you've ever wanted Coco Puffs on your frozen yogurt, here's your chance. Not to mention that Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt is only a mere 25 calories per ounce. No wonder Angelinos love it!" We just wonder why so few question it...
· Eat This, Pinkberry: Red Mango Certified as Real Yogurt [~ELA~]
· Stop the Frozen Yogurt War Presses: Pinkberry Is Sorta Yogurt [~ELA~]
· The Frozen Yogurt War, It Marches On [~ELA~]

Name That Venue: Could It Be Bodega de Cordova?

Last week we posted an anonymous real estate listing for a low-profile wine bar near Fairfax and Third, and asked you all to guess what it is. First, thanks for playing. We got the highest response for Name That Venue yet. While a good 95% guessed that cute little Spanish wine bar Bodega de Cordova on Fairfax, a few thought Tasca or even A.O.C. were on the market, which would suck if true. Luckily the ad says the space for sale does not have a kitchen, so both Third Street restos are ruled out. Still, too bad if the Bodega wants to/has to close. Some responses:

"I've been watching the space for about a year. It's a great space with a lot of potential. If anyone has the money to buy it, I would love to help reopen it." If we play the middleman, we want a finder's fee.

"That's Bodega de Cordova. Has to be. There's no other place with that description in the area. And matches the story that I've been told." Which is...?

And tacked on after a guess for Bodega: "I hate it when you're in a good mood. It makes me feel unsafe, like when my mom used to make daiquiris and sing Tanya Tucker songs."

While we prefer Hendricks martinis and Peggy Lee, we didn't even think about Bodega de Cordova, but it does sound fitting. Calls to the wine bar went unanswered, so this is all just conjecture until confirmed. The tip jar is always open.
· Name That Venue: Anonymous Wine Bar For Sale [~ELA~]

Eater Headhunter: Another new start for TART?

Is this a coincidence or a direct result: One day after The Knife sliced into Tart at the Farmer's Daughter Hotel, there's an ad on Craigslist practically begging for a GM to whip that girl into shape.

We are seeking a talented General Manager to assume immediate operational responsibility for the hip & unique 'Tart' restaurant located inside Farmer's Daughter Hotel, a family owned hotel for over thirty years.

We've given Tart four chances over the last year, and each time it was lackluster. But look at it! It's so darn cute, and it has a great patio. This place should be packed for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel owner admitted to not having any restaurant experience whatsoever when it opened, surely that should have changed by now. This first year has been tough, but at least they're still trying. This has Deathwatch written all over it, but sometimes we just don't want to use the stamp. So we'll hold off with Tart. It is attached to a hotel, and the hotel isn't closing; but we'll keep it on the DW radar just in case. She really needs a hero, though.
· Tart at Farmer's Daughter Hotel [The Knife]
· Restaurant General Manager--Tart at Farmer's Daughter Hotel [Craigslist]

Dish: Mao's on Melrose, Big Sugar Bakeshop, Kado

Just a little Dish happening today, notable openings around town. Got something cookin' in the 'hood? Fire away.

(1):A few weeks ago, everyone wanted to know about the big Mao's Kitchen mural that popped up on Melrose. We found out it was an outpost of Mao's in Venice and was supposed to open in January; then a cryptic message from the plumber made it sound like it wouldn't open on time. But voila: Mao's, behind the former Tommy Tang's place. Similar to it's brotha in food, price, scope. Locals are screeching in delight. [Chowhound]

(2) More sugar!!! Newly opened Big Sugar Bakeshop in Studio City has piqued some interest. According to the website, two young gals venture out on their own to create a neighborhood bakeshop they'd actually "like to stop in, not just work in." They bake everything from scratch—muffins, cupcakes, pies, cakes, brownies, cookies, candies—and they have lots of pretty pictures on their website. And you know these gals are young, and pretty savvy, too: They have a blog for the shop. [La.foodblogging]

(3): There's something about a teppanyaki (a la Benhihana) restaurant in the Farmers Market that we like. We're not sure why that is, but it makes us happy. Kado, located above the Bath & Body Works, is up and running serving conveyor-belt sushi, food cooked in front of you on teppan grills, and an outdoor patio. Early reports say, "Mmmm. [Chowhound]