A reader sends a note that Chocolat on Melrose is closed up, dark, gone. This is not surprising. The only time we stepped foot in the place was to play "food critic" for some ridiculous reality TV show (true). The menu was all over the place, there wasn't a lot of business, the food was totally uninspired---abysmal experience, all around. But here's the fun part: Word is Table 8 will be the new tenant. Also not surprising. Govind Armstrong and Meridian Entertainment Group's restaurant opened under a Melrose tattoo shop to critical fanfare in 2003, closed for renovations in 2006, and then reopened as a dark den of incongruity in early 2007. The new Table 8 didn't seem to catch on---maybe it was the redesign, maybe it was more---comments were made, and the chef fought off closure rumors. OK, so a move isn't a closure per se, but it wasn't far off the mark. What will happen to the current Table 8 location? Will it finally become the lounge it wants to be? Will they dare use designer Thomas Schoos for a new location ? So many questioins. Full confirmation and details to come.
· Table 8 Tabled For Now [~ELA~]
· Eater Inside Table 8: So That's What It Looks Like [~ELA~]
· Govind Armstrong Says Table 8 Still Strong, Blames the Bloggers [~ELA~]
According to the Jewish Journal, there's been a spate of kosher restaurant closures over the last few months and the reasons are many. The Prime Grill---Joey Allaham's New York kosher steakhouse that opened in Beverly Hills in December 2006---closed in February. It had a celebutante and starwatcher following when it first debuted, but apparently it never took hold; the community said it was the high prices. Shutter rumors swirled in January, reps denied, but by February the restaurant closed due to "rainwater damage," and now the phone is disconnected.
Mamash didn't even last three months; it opened in December 2007 and closed in March. Owner Warren Bregman says he and his partners underestimated finances, couldn't survive on a kosher clientele alone, and the corporate clientele they hoped to attract didn't come. After 15 years, the Magic Carpetclosed and turned Indian in April. So what gives? Errol Fine, owner of Pat's Restaurant on Pico, thinks the market is oversaturated: "Maybe there's not enough population to support all these kosher restaurants that have sprung up -- there's only so much of a kosher pie that gets divided. People have to make their choices."
· Table for none?Revolving door of kosher restaurants closings [JJ]
· Eater Inside: Prime Grill [~ELA~]
· The Dish: Chloe, Mamash Open [~ELA~]
A WeHo operative alerts us that Buzz Coffee at 8000 Sunset Boulevard is now closed. We have no idea when it closed or why, and while the "we miss you already" goodbye signage has a slight teary tinge, the positive outlook of April showers bringing May flowers sounds like someone's happy to be free. Sidenote: Anyone know why that plaza has completely emptied out?
We got an email late yesterday: "I was having a late Sunday snack at the Waffle this afternoon with a friend when we noticed a HUGE plume of black smoke coming from behind Magnolia. I was parked right in front of Magnolia, so I decided to hightail it and moved my car a couple of blocks over. As I was walking back, I noticed it was the wooden building behind Magnolia (which I'm almost certain is Off vine) fully ablaze. Fire trucks came within 10 minutes and put out the fire within a half hour or so. I'd be really bummed out if this was Off Vine; I'm hoping they'll be back on their feet soon." Sad, but true: Off Vine suffered severe fire damage from the blaze that started around 5:20pm. The restaurant was full. From the LAFD blog:
Firefighters arrived quickly at the popular 'Off Vine' restaurant to find nearly 90 dinner patrons and staff safely evacuated from the 1,652 square-foot building, a century old one-story craftsman style residence with a modern attic conversion to form a two-story restaurant.
With much of the restaurant well-involved with fire, Firefighters mounted a bold offense against the stubborn flames that had taken hold of many recesses within the much-remodeled structure. The progressive fire attack, combined with strategic vertical ventilation, allowed Firefighters to confine the damage and extinguish the flames in just 34 minutes...Loss from the fire has been estimated at $450,000 ($300,000 structure & $150,000 contents). The cause of the swift-moving blaze was determined to be electrical in nature.
An eyewitness told LAist: "You could feel the heat taking over. It was scary how fast the fire engulfed the upstairs." Two firefighters suffered injuries, and dozens stayed to help salvage valuables like the wine collection and business records from the basement.
NEXT: Owner Richard Falzone says they will reopen >>
LA Metblogs takes a head count of various business that have gone under in Silver Lake, and it's not pretty on the restaurant/cafe/bar front. We have details on some of the empty "loooong gone and vacant" locations, which might cheer them up, but still a lot of unanswered questions. If you have some answers, the tip line is open:
Flor Morena: We were queried about the empty space last November, but recently got an email from someone who wants to know who owns the space, they want to lease it. Let us know, we'll play matchmaker.
Johnny’s Bar: Bobby Green, one of the Bigfoot Lodge owners, has dibs on this location. Still no hard details on what he has planned.
Netty’s: Last time we drove by it looked the same as it always did: closed, fenced in, not much work being done. It's supposed to become Reservoir, which was a partnership between Gloria Felix and pastry chef Elizabeth Belkind. Belkind, however, is working on her own bakery project. Felix became one of Gordon Ramsay's coaches on the current season of Hell's Kitchen, and taping could have added to the delays.
Five days shy of its first anniversary, and a little more than a week after we heard there was a staff shut-out, we get a note from Abode's owners:
"I wanted to let you know that we have now actually closed. Our investors were not willing to support the project through the first year. We closed for one week trying to negotiate with them to no avail. We still feel, as most of our guests and reviewers (besides LA times) did, that we had one of the most special restaurants on the Westside. We would like to thank the thousands of supporters of Abode and hope to see them in our next (more sufficiently funded) project. Namaste, anastasia & kelly"
BEV HILLS/VENICE: We heard rumblings about this last summer, but it's official: Conny Andersson left his exec chef position at the Beverly Wilshire hotel with plans to open his own place in Venice this summer. No specifics yet on the where or the what. Chef de cuisine Brian Moyers is now in charge at The BLVD. [EaterWire]
WEST HOLLYWOOD: The Wokcano on Third Street had a small fire today, noticed by the folks at Innovative Dining Group (who own Sushi Roku, etc.) who called the fire department. Wokcano staffer says there was some minimal smoke damage and they hope to reopen by tomorrow. [EaterWire]
SILVER LAKE: From a tipster: "Last night driving west on Sunset I saw that Cardone's Deli had newspaper on its windows. Seems that the scruffy Silver Lakers in this park of SL didn't provide enough business. I went there several times and was satisfied with my sandwich but parking was a pain and they were often out of ingredients. Hopefully another deli takes the space because we need it here in Silver Lake." [EaterWire Inbox]
We hear from a tipster that Sunset Beach---the Beach on Sunset, whatever you want to call it---currently has a For Lease sign on it...again. We probably have more blog posts about it than days it was actually open: Debut and closure in November '06, and in 2007 a change of ownership in May, "official" open in August, and staff exodus in September. Steve Marlton probably decided to just let the dying whale beach itself.
· Evolution: Sunset Beach: Now the Beach on Sunset [~ELA~]
· Staff Exodus at Sunset Beach [~ELA~]
After seven years of decent 'cue, The Pigshuttered its La Brea location last September. There were rumors that the Dalys would continue catering, but we have no confirmation that they're still in business at all. Around the time of the closure, a liquor license app hung in the window, but as these snaps reveal, that faded sign is still there, the building is still for lease, and the interior has seen better days. What's to come of that location? Anything? We know Mark Peel's keeping the Oasis space across the street, and Cube is still doing well considering La Brea's horrible parking, so there's a chance something can succeed. We'll take your guesses/info/goss in Comments, please.
· Summer's Really Over: The Pig, Shuttered [~ELA~]
Tranquility Base has a housewarming on April 10-13
WEST HOLLYWOOD: Bin 8945 is shuttered and chef Kris Morningstar left Blue Velvet, what are two unemployed restaurant people to do? Join forces. David Haskell tells us that he and the chef are planning something "very much in the idea of Spotted Pig in NYC, but more wine and beer focused." They're looking at West Hollywood, but it could be anywhere that works for them. "We're still in the baby steps of planning, but the goal is to have something open by 2009." Could this be the winning combo for both? [EaterWire Inbox]
PASADENA: Speaking of Haskell, he's been consulting on the wine list at NeoMeze in Old Town, which just launched a happy hour for the month of April. Five wines for $25 and meze dishes for $5. Only at the bar, and the wines will change regularly. (Tue-Thu from 6pm-8pom) [EaterWire Inbox]
In some respects, Abode Restaurant in Santa Monica didn't have much of a chance. Although the space was slick and chic, there were some good items on the menu, and it had a great secluded patio, out of the gate, the Los Angeles Times went on the attack: Leslie Brenner took it to task for not being as sustainable as the press release said it was, S. Irene Virbila thought it wasn't romantic enough (guess she wanted it to be), both thought the chef needed to simplify. Scathing Critic's Notebook, followed by a half-star review. Not too long after, opening chef Dominique Crenn left for San Francisco. Add in that it's tucked off the street, and Abode just couldn't seem to get it's footing. Several rumors hit over the last couple days that the restaurant has gone under, that staff showed up for work this week and the doors were locked (we also heard staff knew it wasn't financially sound, so they may have known it was coming). The word "bankruptcy" was thrown around. Note, this is all still completely unconfirmed, but the answering machine is full and the website still references Mother's and Father's Day specials. When we contacted the owners they said: "No that is not true! That is false information. We will be in touch with an update for you." The restaurant's first anniversary is April 18.
· A Scathing Critique of Abode's...Sustainability? [~ELA~]
· Week in Reviews: Abode [~ELA~]
· Breaking: Dominique Crenn Leaves Abode [~ELA~]
· Abode Revealed: Opens Wednesday [~ELA~]
While the French bistro/brasserie thing is pretty hot in town right now, a reader sends the above snap of the homey Cafe Marly in Beverly Hills and a note: "It's been like that for months now. I didn't know it took so long to renovate a small place like that." Indeed. The restaurant's website says they closed last year for a quick nip/tuck:
We would like to inform you that Cafe Marly - Beverly Hills will be remodeled starting Monday, September 10. We predict that the remodeling will last few month. Come back online soon, we will keep you posted on the evolution of the remodleing.
We called the restaurant and the outgoing message says to call the Melrose location; we did and found out that that location, as of January, is now called Le Bistrot Francais. The owner apparently sold it. Still no word about the Beverly Hills location.
What was supposed to be a quickremodel at Doughboys has turned into an all-out demolition, as noted by the pics above. Also noted: the space next door is under construction as well, so perhaps there's an expanded Doughboys in the works. The number is currently disconnected, but a staffer at the Highland location confirmed that 8136 W. Third Street is still Doughboys, but doesn't know when "renovations" will be finished. Stripped to the beams, it can't be anytime soon.
· Doughboys Shuttered by DOH Again [~ELA~]
· EaterWire Update: Doughboys Still Closed [~ELA~]
· Demolition at Doughboys [Blackburn and Sweetzer]
Just another day at the EaterWire. Have something to share? Lay it on us.
MALIBU: The Sunset Restaurant, which sits at the entrance to Point Dume state beach near Zuma, never needed a great chef or menu: It had the sunset and a full bar. But now the owners want to take things to "another level." There's a new managing director (Raymond Byrne, came from Il Fornaio in SM) and a new chef: Jake Rojas who was last at Inn of the Seventh Ray, and before that Mix and Joel Robuchon in Vegas. [EaterWire]
HOLLYWOOD: We'll throw this one to anyone who knows: "I'm not saying I really want more Pinkberry news but I don't have anywhere else to turn. The location near hollywood and vine that has been covered with signage for at least the last 6 months - is it ever opening? I can't find any information on it and a sign on the front just says "coming soon" and there has been little to no activity around it that i've seen - is this a sign of pinkberry slowing their store openings?" We wonder the same thing every time we drive by. [EaterWire]
PASADENA: It looks like the Union Cattle Company packed up its mechanical bull and left Old Town about two weekends ago. Something called Dena House will replace it, which, as we understand, will still brew beer. The best thing that location has going for it is that it's right across from one of the parking garages, and yet nothing seems to work there. Union Cattle replaced the sub-par Pasadena Brewery in 2005, which only lasted about two years. Before that, it was Jerry's Famous Deli, which only lasted a few years. [EaterWire]
FAIRFAX DISTRICT: The LAT music blog has all the deets on the pending Largo move. Owner Mark Flanagan will close the intimate live music venue in May and reopen at the Coronet Theater on La Cienega by June. The new space is larger, will continue to host Jon Brion every Friday night, and Flanagan will have extra space for up-and-comers and comedians. [Soundboard]
MARINA DEL REY: There was some controversy when Marina del Rey's Harbor House and Edie's Diner shuttered last fall, but we now have a few details on the replacement, Organic Panificio. The "organic Italian" restaurant will have a bar, wine lounge, two dining rooms, banquet facilities, pastas, pizza, salads, sandwiches, and will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Owners are Charles Colby and John Tennant. No opening date announced yet. [EaterWire]
WEST HOLLYWOOD: Driving past last week, we noticed that Amoon Ra near the corner of La Cienega and Santa Monica Boulevard had it's grand opening on Friday night, and we e hear it was pretty packed with friends, family and curious locals. In case you didn't see all those hookahs lining the wall, yes, it's a hookah bar and Egyptian/Middle Eastern restaurant. The owners are awaiting the full liquor license, but maybe all that flavored tobacco will do something for you. (980 North La Cienega Blvd., 310.854.7777) [EaterWire]
MARINA DEL REY: Looks like the "sushi nazi" is taking it west. According to the Waterside shopping center website (a Caruso property, if you didn't know) Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa should open this summer. Although they aren't giving many details yet, we understand Kazunori Nozawa will be the president of this new concept, which will have "the best attributes of the original restaurant with some new things added." Look for a June debut. [EaterWire]
SILVER LAKE: The short-lived Italianate Fritzie's, which replaced Giannino's, has closed on Hyperion. It didn't last but a year. The website says "temporarily" but adds, "We'll see you again soon," which pretty much means it's dunzo, at least at this location. Eating L.A. notes that this is the second closure in the same strip mall, plus an empty Blockbuster across the street. What gives: Is it the location or the restaurants? [Eating L.A.]
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WEST HOLLYWOOD: The Wokcano on Third Street had a small fire today, noticed by the folks at Innovative Dining Group (who own Sushi Roku, etc.) who called the fire department. Wokcano staffer says there was some minimal smoke damage and they hope to reopen by tomorrow. [EaterWire]
PASADENA: It looks like the Union Cattle Company packed up its mechanical bull and left Old Town about two weekends ago. Something called Dena House will replace it, which, as we understand, will still brew beer. The best thing that location has going for it is that it's right across from one of the parking garages, and yet nothing seems to work there. Union Cattle replaced the sub-par Pasadena Brewery in 2005, which only lasted about two years. Before that, it was Jerry's Famous Deli, which only lasted a few years. [EaterWire]
