GLENDALE: We have a sneak peek at Octavio Becerra's menu from one of the preview dinners---it will always change, but still gives a good idea of what the former Patina chef is going for: Approachable yet refined, wine-compatible, seasonal, artisanal, small plates and entrees. Sure, it's along car dealership row in Glendale, a little off the beaten track, but can we just talk about the "porkfolio" and "mason jars" filled with potted pork shoulder, lamb neck or olives with citrus and thyme? Oh my. Palate Food + Wine soft opens tonight for dinner. (image via UrbanDaddy) (933 S. Brand Blvd, 818.662.9463)
HOLLYWOOD: Milan native and self-taught baker Ambra Ditonno opened a small retail storefront in Little Armenia called I Panini di Ambra for pizza "by the cut," rectangle pieces topped with simple tomato sauce or proscuitto and mushrooms, plus panini on homemade focaccia. See a menu here. (5633 Hollywood Blvd, 323.463.1200)
Got something for the EaterWire? Drop it on here, in the tip jar, please. An early rendering of Kitchen 24
HOLLYWOOD: A new entrant for the Cahuenga Corridor is close to opening: Kitchen 24, the new mod diner from the owners of Cinespace, a throw-back to the classic diner but updated with lots of white, walnut tables, some fuscia thrown in for color, all courtesy Kris Keith and Spacecraft Design. The twist: There will be a full-bar and DJs. We hear there's activity afoot (read: private parties) but the (hopeful) public debut is May 30. [EaterWire]
HERMOSA BEACH: The wine shop portion of Brix@1601 at the Hermosa Pavilion officially opened. Brixwine will offer wine tastings daily with a small menu from the restaurant, and bonus: Brix@1601 will waive the corkage fee on the first bottle of wine purchased from shop [EaterWire Inbox]
Octavio Becerra last told us his new Palate Food + Wine would open in May, and sure enough, it soft opens this week. Becerra helped launch the Patina Group with Joachim Splichal way back when, and with Palate he's going full force: restaurant, wine bar and retailer, cheese cellar and "eno-gastronomic library" all in one. Per UrbanDaddy, the wine shop and bar, loading-dock-turned-patio, and walk-in cheese humidor won't be ready for a few more weeks. Palate is in friends and family tonight and tomorrow, opens to the public oh-so-softly on Friday. Reservation lines are open. (933 S. Brand Blvd, Glendale, 818.662.9463) [ELA/UD]
So many restaurants opening everywhere, so little time. Care to share a debut for The Dish? Drop it right here in the tip jar, please. Thank you and come again.
BEVERLY HILLS: The Plywooded Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop spark some reader interest, which generated our interest, which generated the newsletter frenzy this week. The gourmet, eco-friendly, fast-cas spot has salads, sandwiches, sides like golden beets with goat cheese, roasted white truffle potatoes, green lentil salad, as organic as it can be, seasonal and local. They're using energy-efficient cars, scooters and bicycles for delivery, too. Open for lunch only, 11am-4pm. (9671 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.246.0756)
PASADENA:Plywooded just a couple weeks ago, a former Sushi of Naples manager opened Oba Sushi Izakaya on Glenarm near the 110 entrance. For those living in the area, the promise of new and maybe even better sushi and izakaya without having to trek to Little Tokyo or the somewhere west is really appealing. Lunch Mon-Fri, dinner daily. (181 E. Glenarm St #110, Pasadena, 626.799.8543)
Move over bacon, there's something newsier. Got something for the EaterWire? In the tip jar, please.
SILVER LAKE: One more reason why we're lucky to have Intelligentsia in LA: We have the "best barista in America" right here. Kyle Glanville, barista and Manager of Espresso Research, just won the US Barista Competition in Minneapolis this weekend. What does one have to do to win such an honor? Wow the judges by preparing and serving four espressos, four cappuccinos and four original signature drinks of their own creation---all within a 15-minute timeframe. Next up is the World Barista Competition in Copenhagen, and if he wins that, he can start calling himself the "Best Barista in the World." Someone might dump coffee grounds on his head if he does, but he can still say it. [EaterWire Inbox]
WEST HOLLYWOOD: In case a three-martini lunch still sounds like a good idea---and really, when doesn't it---Laurent Tourondel's BLT Steak now serves lunch on the Sunset Strip. [UrbanDaddy]
GLENDALE: You know you wanted to know: Pinkberry is officially swirling at the Americana at Brand. By our count, almost all the AAB restaurants are now open, save for Frida and the kiosks. [EaterWire Inbox]
Two critics, one restaurant. This week both S. Irene Virbila and Jonathan Gold preview Brix@1601, a wine-centric restaurant that opened at the Hermosa Pavilion a few weeks ago. Miss Irene says Michael McDonald's food isn't breaking any barriers but it's good and well-executed. There's talk of sliders and steaks. Gold basically agrees, but also gives mad props to Caitlin Stansbury, "one of L.A.’s rock-star sommeliers, a whip-thin woman with the haunted eyes of a lead guitarist and the ability to make Greek rosés and South African syrahs seem like the most desirable liquids in the world." We took a quick look a few weeks ago, but there's nothing like a shiny new photo gallery to bring it all home. (1601 Pacific Coast Hwy, Hermosa Beach, 310.698.0740)
· First Look: Brix@1601 [LAT]
· Brix @ 1601: The Newest Home of Rock-Star Sommelier Caitlin Stansbury [LAW]
· Eater Inside: Brix@1601 [~ELA~]
This just in: Lemonade, the nouveau cafeteria-esque spot on Beverly Boulevard (in former Tea Garden) debuts today at 11am. Caterers Alan and Heidi Jackson (Jackson Somerset Catering) opened a similar albeit lunch-only stand downtown, but this newer Lemonade will stay open Tue-Sun 11am-7pm. Lots of take-away items like sandwiches, soups (chicken with kafifr lime and lemongrass; ancho chile braised pot roast), and side salads (snap pea and edamame, chicken with jicama, roasted beet) to mix and match, but you can eat in as well. And, of course, there's lemonade in various flavors. (9001 Beverly Blvd, WeHo, 310.247.2500) [~ELA~]
This here is South Pasadena's historic Gus's Barbecue anew. Now owned by the brothers Bicos, Chris and John who also own The Original Tops in Pasadena, the space was completely gutted, renovated, refreshed. The old red booths are gone, but there are now plasma TVs, black-and-white photos on the walls, a Southern barbecue-meets-California vibe. More importantly, the menu was also revamped and updated with lots of salads, burgers and barbecue that many say is actually edible now. If the Bicos can get permitting, expect parking lot barbecue weekend parties sometime soon. Early, early reports here, and further reading here and here.
CULVER CITY: Because they just can't get enough fresh to-go salads in Culver City, M Cafe de Chaya opened yesterday and stays open 8am-9pm daily. The second macrobiotic restaurant for the Chaya group has basically the same menu as the Melrose original, but there's more grab-and-go plus seating inside and out. (9343 Culver Blvd, 310838.4300; website)
ECHO PARK: Holding true to his word, Josef Centeno opens Lot 1 Cafe tonight. The a la carte menu looks enticing enough: Wild arugula salad with guanciale and jidori egg; roast chicken with chard; English pea ravioli; pepper-crusted steak with bone marrow toast. Centeno---whose bacos and tasting menus made serious foodies giddy at Opus---continues the same themes: The flat-bread "bacos" are available during the day, there's brunch on weekends, and Tuesdays are reserved solely for the tasting menu. (1533 Sunset Blvd, 213.481.8400)
When we called information today for the number to Wolfgang's Steakhouse on Canon Drive in Beverly Hills, the operator connected us to Mastro's. The New York importis just a few blocks from Mastro's and Spago, and people think Cut moved when their friends say, "Hey, let's check out Wolfgang's Steakhouse on Canon." The confusion isn't surprising. But surely this town is big enough for two Wolfgang's, and hopefully your wallet and gullet are big enough for the jumbo everything (shrimp or crabmeat cocktails, lobster, baked potatoes), the steaks for two, three or four, the wines. There's a nice big bar, private dining rooms, tables with perfect sightlines to see who's who, where and with whom, and as noted above, a little patio out front. But why go here instead of all the others? "The porterhouse," we're told. "Don't miss." Dinner this week only; lunch starts on Monday. (445 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, 310.385.0640)
More grab-and-go options for worker bees downtown: Lemonade, a cafeteria-style lunch spot from the people behind Jackson Someset Catering, opened a few weeks ago at City National Plaza. Chef and co-owner Alan Jackson talks up the menu as veggie-centric, healthful, with world flavors. You've got sandwiches, soups (chicken with kafifr lime and lemongrass; ancho chile braised pot roast), and side salads (snap pea and edamame, chicken with jicama, roasted beet) to mix and match. And, yes, lemonade. The Downtown location is only open during the week, but Jackson tells us their opening a second location in the former Tea Garden space on Beverly Boulevard in two weeks. Yes, this is the place several of you have emailed about. The space and concept will be just about the same---mostly to go, some table seating---but the menu will be more high-end. The Bev Hills location will stay open until 8pm, six days a week.
· Lemonade at Beverly and Almont [Blackburn and Sweetzer]
· Old Yellow: The Lemonade Stand of the Future [UD]
Just because Father's Office 2.0 finally opened doesn't mean getting a table at the original will be any easier: "A 7 p.m. arrival and glance around the intimate space quickly confirmed the bar's reputation as a popular post-work destination: it took us a half-hour to stake out a table, though thankfully we weren't kept waiting outside. Once seated, there was ample enough room for comfortable dinner and conversation, and the dim lighting and sleek hardwood of the floor, tables and bar counter lend the Office a refined, romantic air." Sidenote: Yes, he said refined and romantic. [LAist]
When there's an anticipated opening such as one for the new Father's Office at the Helms Bakery building, there's only one thing to do: Liveblog.
5:39pm: Arrival. Doors closed. About 10 people waiting outside. One guy in nicely pressed white button down shirt: "They were supposed to open at 4, but now they said 6." Overheard nearby: "Let's just go."
6:00pm: Number of people doubles outside. Doors still shut. Will it open? What if it was all a big tease? Across the street: Let's Be Frank hot dog cart noticably absent. Closed on Mondays. Bummer.
6:04pm: Blinds pulled up, everyone files in. No chairs around the tables yet, just banquette seating. Bar stools are the first to fill. Booths next. Heaters juicing up outside, lots of picnic table seating. Beers pouring. 44 people counted in first wave.
6:05pm: First drink served: Aviation martini.
6:15pm: Our first Liberty Ale in, patio starting to get crowded. Sang Yoon and the entire FO staff at the ready. Lots of headset action happening.
7:05: Partners in crime arrive, sweet potato fries in tow. Hot, crispy outside, soft inside, perfectly salted. Second Liberty. All tables full, small line at the bar.
7:26pm: Time for the burger---not easy to eat and blog---and battery life not what it used to be. People now waiting in wings for first table opening, line out front door. Two deep at ordering stations in the bar. We'll have a full report/recap and photo gallery tomorrow.
MIRACLE MILE: From a hungry worker bee: "The long awaited opening of Samurai Sam's happened today. A line out the door of hungry diners were waiting for spicy tuna sushi and ultra spicy firecracker beef yakisoba bowls. Finally something different on the Miracle Mile." [EaterWire Inbox}
MID-CITY/BEV CTR: It's hard to believe, but Grace celebrates its fifth anniversary this year. To honor the occasion, chef Neal Fraser will offer a special five-course greatest hits menu for $55 throughout the year, starting in May. Dungeness crab salad with peas, sautéed skate with roasted cauliflower and raisins, bacon-wrapped saddle of rabbit, grilled leg of lamb, doughnuts for dessert. [EaterWire Inbox]
WEHO: What's up with the ID scanners at One? From a reader: "Was at that club across from Il Sole on Sunset, "One" on Friday night---and they were scanning everyone's driver's licenses into a handheld device. The Door Guy said this is how they keep a record of attendance, and they "always" do it, in case of "trouble..." Seems like the speedtrain to Identity theft, to grave violations of civil liberties...We go out A Lot and have never encountered this...have you? Is this a "Regular People"/velvet rope thing?" [EaterWire Inbox]
We'll, it's sort of official: FO 2.0 opens tonight. We say "sort of" because we haven't officially confirmed it, and someone wants to keep the exact time a secret. But if we were to venture a guess, we'd say 5pm is probably beer time. Remember, this really is a 2.0 launch: Bigger space, more beer on tap, deconstructed cocktails, booths, picnic tables, cool bathrooms, but all with that Sang Yoon attitude (still no ketchup, yes, there are nuts in the olives, and don't even think about ordering a Cosmo, or vodka for that matter). Above, a little reminder of what we saw at last week's opening party. See you there! (3229 Helms Ave, Culver City; 310.736.2224)
· Hangover Observations: Father's Office II Opener [~ELA~]
ECHO PARK: We mentioned yesterday that El Prado looked like it was open but there was really no telling what it was, when it was, or what it served. Turns out that's exactly what the owners want: "Everything — drinks, food, music, and even the tableau set with bags of apples and a vintage bike — is subject to change. There’s no telling when." For now, it's Belgian brews, radish and butter sandwiches, maybe some charcuterie and cheese. [Daily Candy
Consider this a little preview Inside for Brix@1601 at the Hermosa Pavilion. Hermosa developer Gene Shook opens the 10,000-square-foot space, all leather, stone, brick, vaulted ceilings, on Monday, April 21. The crew is full of recognizable names: chef Michael McDonald, most recently exec chef of the Roosevelt Hotel; GM Francois Xavier Ghys, who's done time at L’Orangerie, Spago, and Le Bernandin and Aureole in NYC; sommelier Caitlin Stansbury, most recently at The Lodge (although we swear she served us our wine at Bastide early on); and pastry chef Renee Ward from Las Vegas. The menu sounds seasonal, West Coast sensibilities (Dungeness crab salad, braised oxtail sandwich, veal chop with cauliflower gratin) with more than 300 wines on the list. A standalone wine retail store, Brixwine, will also debut on Monday. Hey, look, some early Plywood.
It's difficult to call this an "inside" since most of the Malibu Pier Club is outside. Just as the name states, this little number is at the foot of the Malibu Pier, just off the street, with perfect views of Surfrider Beach to the right, millionaires' homes to the left, nothing but horizon and waves directly out front. MPC comes to us from the same people who owns Beachcomber Cafe at Crystal Cove in Newport Beach and the Ruby's Diner chain. The place only seats 75 or so, mostly tables on the patio with a few stools in the narrow 40s-inspired bar. Original photos, tile murals, nice wookwork inside. Beachy snacks like caesar salad "fondue," grilled chicken sandwich with prosciutto, truffle chips, martinis, wines, beer on the menu. Soon there will be a "tiki room" for private parties, and in July, the Beachcomber Restaurant next door and Ruby's Shake Shack will open at the end of the pier. Note: parking in the adjacent lot is valet only, and costs $10 up front, but you'll be reimbursed $5 for two hours at any of the pier restaurants. Of course, you can always fight the surfers for a spot on the PCH. Early Plywood sightings here and here.
Once again, we round up some of the latest openings in The Dish. See something debut? Let's hear all about it. Via Eating L.A.
MID-WILSHIRE: The fate of Doughboys on Third Street is still up in the air---we just called the Highland location for info yet again and got a pause, more hesitation, then "yeah, I don't really know what's going on over there"---but a new Doughboys will open next to the El Rey Theatre tonight. We asked about this new location and were told: "You know, everyone's really busy getting a new restaurant open, and I have tables waiting for me, so I have to go." And yet we still throw business their way. (5515 Wilshire Blvd, Phone TBA)
Just in time for Santa Monica beach weather, the historic Shutters on the Beach will reopen One Pico this week (could be tomorrow, could be end of week says the hotel operator). Since Catch opened in sister property Casa del Mar last year, it was only fitting that One Pico get an update, and behold, the new dining room courtesy designer Michael S. Smith. Although the finished product isn't exactly like the rendering above, the room will have a breezier look, lots of ocean blues (in this case teal tufted leather chairs), dark wood accents; the lovely beachside views remain. Michael Reardon, who's now executive chef of all the ETC Hotel properties (Casa del Mar next door and Canary Hotel in Santa Barbara included), created a seasonal, Italian-inspired menu. Think: grilled octopus with potatoes and capers, homemade pastas, steak Fiorentina, John Dory with langoustines and farmer's market vegetables. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner; Coast, on the first floor, serves three square.
· Catch at Casa del Mar Now Open [~ELA~]
Here we have some bonus weekend Dish. Got a little debut dish dying to get out? Window #2, please.
CULVER CITY: Cafe, shop, art space all in one, Royal/T opened its doors for LA Art Weeekend. The menu is "influenced by Tokyo's Akihabara district"; they call it "Japanese comfort food with a California twist" i.e. rice bowls, sandwiches with wasabi mayonaise, green tea desserts. And it's true: The servers wear maid outfits. (8910 Washington Blvd., 310.559.6300)
MID-CITY: The former Soul Vegetarian is now Vegan Village Internet Cafe, still owned by Jewel Thais-Williams but under new management. The menu sticks to non-meat, no-dairy fixin's but includes BBQ dumplings, "hot wings," tostadas, burritos, tacos, "faux shrimp and fries," smoothies and ice cream. (4061 W. Pico Blvd., 323.766.9377)
Here we have a little sneak peek at South, a new restaurant and bar opening in the former Punch Grill space this week. A few Southern-bred guys from Q's and Barney's Beanery are behind the venture, but they swear they're going for a slightly less frat-boy vibe. It's not fancy, just a place to watch sports, drink Abita beer from New Orleans, maybe eat some fried green tomatoes or pickles, barbecue ribs, muffaletta sandwiches or po' boys. Think Bourbon Street meets Beale Street meets Santa Monica. Officially: South opens at 5pm Thursday, April 10. Unofficially: A tipster writes that there's a soft open tonight.
South BBQ not Q's; southern-fried bar food
3001 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, 310.828.9988 5pm-2am opening weekend; 11am-2am starts 4/12
Welcome back to the Eater Dish, a look at some recent openings around town. See, taste, drink a debut? We're all ears.
ECHO PARK: A reader tipped us off about The Park's recent debut, an everyday neighborhood bistro that's casual, eclectic, run by three friends who did all the renovations by themselves (with the help of more friends). Classic Echo Park. The room has salvaged light fixtures, natural woods, "gentle colors." Chef and co-owner Joshua Siegel, who put in some time at Square One and SF's Firefly, came up with an understated and inexpensive the menu: spaghetti and meatballs, roast chicken, hangar steak. Hey, they know their 'hood. (1400 Sunset Blvd, 213.482.9209)
We received this message from a publicist for Downtown's new Seven Restaurant & Bar:
"Highly anticipated Seven restaurant opens its doors this week in downtown LA, in the historic Quinby Building at 7th & Grand. Designed to the nines by Mae Brunken, and with an inspired menu created by Chef Mirko Paderno of LA hotspots Celestino Steakhouse, Ago and Dolce Enoteca, Seven owners Garry G and Joseph Tahanian are thrilled to share their creation with the downtown scene."
Let's break this down, shall we? First, Tahanian wants "to create a Westside or Hollywood style place, but without all the attitude" and insists it's restaurant first, bar second. He previously said the menu would be "new American cuisine" and "sexy," but now Paderno is involved? Paderno, of course, is co-owner and chef at All' Angelo (surprisingly left out of the release), previously worked at several of LA's top Italian restaurants and was the opening chef at Dolce. All Italian. We asked when Seven will open and the flacks said "soon" and then "next week," but Angelenic says Seven will open tomorrow, Thursday, April 4. Who's right, who's wrong?
· First Look: Seven Restaurant & Bar [Angelenic]
· 7th Street to Welcome Seven Restaurant Tomorrow [Angelenic]
Ok, so the weather won't be perfect (cool, rainy), but the new Malibu Pier Club opens tomorrow at 11:30am. By the weekend, though, oh yes, it will be Malibu Pier weather. When we inspected, there was still some work to do, but not much. The restaurant and bar will have cocktails and foodstuffs like ahi tacos, kobe burger, truffle chips, "brick-pressed mojo sandwich," and "caesar salad fondue." Plus the views, the sand, the waves. Come July, the Beachcomber, will open in the former Alice's Restaurant next door, but you can get anything you want until then. (23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, 310.456.9800)
· Plywood Update: Malibu Pier's Pending Restaurants, Bar [~ELA~]
· Malibu Pier Club and Beachcomber: More Details [~ELA~]
Welcome back to The Dish where we bring you some of the latest openings around town. Stumble across a debut? hit us with it. Photo via Triplecreme
CULVER CITY: Following the success of places like Tender Greens and The Point, now CC has Skratch, as in 'eating from scratch.' Although blogger Triplecreme finds the made-to-order sandwiches and salads fresh, to the point and priced for what you get, it's apparent founder Jeffrey Price is all about branding: there are "healthy lifestyle" eating seminars and "flavoring products" in the works. (3867 Hughes Ave, 310.558.3400)
DOWNTOWN:Thrillist comes across Bacaro LA, a new wine bar less than a mile from USC, where both owners spent some of their more formative years. One went on to be an advertising exec, the other a Silverlake Wine staffer and A.O.C. sommelier, and now they're bringing cicchetti and small production Italian wines among others to the co-eds. Bonus for the poor students: On opening day (Saturday, April 5), Bacaro will have a $10 open food/bar party. (2308 S Union, 213.453.1824)
USC CAMPUS: For those who don't like fancy charcuterie and whose fake ID's can't get them crisp white wines,, the hungry Trojans now have a Wahoo's Fish Tacos on the northwest side of campus, adjacent to the Lyon Center. (3415 S. Figueroa St, 213.740.6285)
A reader received this postcard about de-Belgu, a newish Belgian waffle shop in their neighborhood, but had a query: "Chowhound indicated it opened in late December, but then reports came out that it closed in Mid February. Yet, low and behold, it must be operational again since they are soliciting a 'buy one get one free' promo on the postcards sent out to the local neighborhoods. Can you please investigate and solve the mystery?" One mystery answered comes courtesy the card: These liege waffles are "basically the Belgian doughnut," sweeter and denser than the Belgian waffles we typically enjoy at breakfast. As for if the shop is open or closed, we called and no one answered, and according to the card, it's open all day seven days a week. Maybe there was a mad rush for the lieges, but it's not a good sign. All this opening and closing and two-for-one business suggests poor planning or LA just isn't ready for Belgian waffle-type snacks. Heck, LA's barely ready for waffle-named restaurants.
· Real Belgium Waffles Snack Shop-Melrose [Chowhound]
· Waffle Haters Can Suck It [~ELA~]
The restaurant circle of life continues: Here we have Pasadena's new La Grande Orange. We had an early look at the empty train depot last year when blueprints were on the counter and chalk outlines for the bar were drawn on the patio, and we can honestly say the finished product is a stunner, courtesy Kris Keith and Spacecraft Design. The building was moved to the park across the street for Gold Line and apartment construction and then moved back, the bones (ceiling beams, some original tile work, windows) were kept intact, and the lush colors, leather booths, dark wood furniture and light fixtures added to enhance the original space, not hide it. There's an enclosed bar off to the side which has perfect views of the Del Mar train stop right outside. The menu isn't ground-breaking but somewhat seasonal and sounds just about right for the 'Dena crowd they expect to attract (re: Rotary Club, families): everything from deviled eggs to roast chicken, salmon or prime rib to pan-roasted lobster taco platters. Another bar will be housed in an adjacent building to open later this year. More reading here and here.
La Grande Orange Station Cafe Salads, trains, steaks
260 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, 626.356.4444 Dinner nightly; lunch in a couple months
WEST HOLLYWOOD: We received the above snap and this from a tipster: "Looks like this place is getting ready to open at the West Hollywood Gateway, next to BevMo." All we know at this point is Crazy Rock'N Sushi applied for and will probably get approval to sell beer and wine. Oh, and with a name like Crazy Rock'N Sushi, expectations for crazy good sushi aren't high. [EaterWire Inbox]
SILVER LAKE: LA Mill has finally settled out of its soft-open phase and extended the hours this week, adding dinner service. The menu is still all Cimarusti: Arctic Char(tar)tare, smoked salmon risotto, that pork belly BLT. Adran Vasquez's pastries and desserts are offered all day. It's still not Starbucks and not really a coffeebar, so all the haters should be over that by now. And anyway, what's not to love about someone who signs off, "Buon Appetito! Or as they say in Iceland, Verði þér að góðu!" on the menu? Opens every day at 7am, closes 10pm during the week and 11pm on weekend nights. [EaterWire Inbox]
KOREATOWN: Do two things go better together than fried chicken and karaoke? We think not. The NYC-import BonChon Chicken finally opened at 6th and Catalina, just a few short greasy fingers from Kyochon chicken. BonChon promises "minimized fat, high in protein, and low in cholesterol." And karaoke. [Angelenic]
SILVER LAKE: From a tipster: "I live in silverlake, and I LOVE tomato pie on melrose near fairfax. I learned a few weeks ago that they were planning a silverlake location. I just saw this myspace bulletin." The second Tomato Pie officially opened at 2457 Hyperion, across from Baller Hardware. Free delivery, too. [EaterWire]
MID-CITY: Confirmed: Ita-Cho added lunch service two weeks ago. Now open Mon-Fri 11:30-2:30pm and reopens for dinner at 6pm. Weekend nights are still packed. [EaterWire]
MID-CITY: There are wine, sake, beer and cheese tastings, but here's something you don't see every day. Food Court LA on Third Street will have a Saltistry artisanal salt tasting with an entire menu of nibbles (watermelon and cantaloupe with coconut black sea salt, chile salt pepitas, kumomoto oysters with citrus salts) and specialty cocktails, featuring, yes, salt. All for only $25 (at the door). March 31, 6-9pm. [EaterWire]
SILVER LAKE:We heard the Vespa-delivery hipster pizza joint Andiamo was coming, and good news lazy Eastsiders: It's open. The menu has all the requisite pizza combos on hand-tossed New York-style or whole wheat crusts, plus pastas, salads, paninis. And Vespas!! (2815 Sunset Blvd, 213.483.7070) [EaterWire; photo credit]
CULVER CITY: After his "What is a gastropub" convo, Ben Ford has another lecture/dinner coming up on April 14. "Head to Tail" will explore the philosophies of using an entire animal for deliciously edible things. Neal Fraser from Grace and Nate Appleman from SF's A16 will join in the discussion and collaborate on the menu. Call the restaurant (310.202.1470) to reserve. [EaterWire Inbox]
MELROSE: If it wasn't for this sucky recession business, we'd chalk this up to desperation, but really, it's not a bad deal. Table 8 starts a new $38, three-course prix fixe dinner tonight. $18 wine pairings and Govind Armstrong's seasonal menu Mon-Fri. [EaterWire Inbox]
SOMEWHERE: There's an unconfirmed rumor that the boys (Paul Sevigny, Chloë's brother, is one) behind New York's hipster haunt Beatrice Inn want to bring a similar concept to LA. "Don't think it will be a Beatrice, but similar vibe." [Down by the Hipster]
Right about now, the doors to Pasadena's new La Grande Orange should be opening for dinner. It's a soft open, first night, so management is holding back on patio dining and lunch should start later this week or early next. Because the building is the the original Del Mar Depot built in 1935, Kris Keith and Spacecraft design had to keep a lot of the shell intact, so the ceilings, wall tiles, and windows are all original, but the booths, woodwork, colors, and outdoor wine bar all blend in nicely (see the whole transformation from empty to mid-construction to almost done). We don't have the final menu yet, but expect classic American, burgers, salads, sandwiches, steaks, etc. and a full bar. Opens nightly at 5pm.
La Grande Orange
260 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, 626.356.4444 Nightly 5pm for now
With Downtown exploding in restaurant and nightlife options, we have to throw this out to all the new business owners riding the wave: Please, for the love of all things sweet and savory, try and be more original with the names. Seven Restaurant & Barwill open later this month, not to be confused with Seven, an existing West Hollywood nightclub. And the owners of Oh! at the O Hotel realized how horrible that name was and changed it O Bar & Kitchen, no relation to O-bar, the restaurant and lounge on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, throwers of board game nights and lovers of the Lesley Special.
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'shas 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)
By all accounts, Charlie Trotter should be as fond of Vegas as PETA is of prime rib. His eponymous restaurant flamed out famously in 1995, after 15 months in the MGM Grand. Bloodied but unbowed, he maintained his flagship in Chicago while (apparently) plotting a return to the High Desert whenever the time was right for a return bout. He doesn’t seem to have the empire-building urges of many of his colleagues---Cabo San Lucas houses his only other outpost---so when word got out that the Palazzo was granting him a rematch, gourmands and bean-counters alike wondered if he was punch drunk. Open almost two weeks now, Restaurant Charlie is primarily seafood-focused and has a "sky loft" chef's table perched above the kitchen for optimum viewing, while Bar Charlie seats only 18 for sushi, Trotter-style (tasting menus only). Our Vegas operative John Curtas grabbed Trotter for a Q & A just two days into the new ventures.
John Curtas: It was a sad day for local gourmands when you pulled up stakes here in 1995. The smart money said we’d never see you again. What happened then and now?
Charlie Trotter: We started out as an all-comp restaurant for high rollers exclusively. It really went much smoother than people think it did. Sure, there were occasional requests for prime ribs and baked potatoes, but we handled them and it was never an issue as got reported at the time.
JC: The rumors were that no one could touch the sacred food of such a renowned chef (serving only rigid, degustation menus every night), and you balked at the low-to-middlebrow tastes of the casino crowd and couldn’t take it anymore.
CT: The real issue was a new management team took over the MGM and wanted to double our size (from 65 seats), change our menu, eliminate the tasting menu and add more “basic” food like meatloaf and spaghetti and meatballs, and we did balk at that. But until that happened, we were happy. I was the one who talked Emeril into opening in the MGM. I had a 10 year contract to be there and was happy with it right up until the point that (the Food and Beverage people) began wanting to tell me what I should serve. They ended up buying me out of my deal after 15 months, so I was happy with that too.
You heard that right, folks. Laurent Tourondel's new Sunset Strip steakhouse is open for dinner as of Saturday, March 15. We had a small preview at a big party earlier this week, and we didn't get to taste much of the menu but at least saw it (and bring to you). So far, this new wave of New York chefs are 2-0 in LA (Batali, Colicchio; we can say 3-0 if we include Joe's Pizza), so we have high expectations for BLT Steak. So much so, we'd sanction a BLT Fish if Tourondel wants to bring another concept to town. Reservation lines are open: 310.360.1950. [~ELA~]
If you call the new Todd English/Eva Longoria (top billing depends on who you talk to) restaurant Beso, you'll find out that the restauant is indeed open for business, which completely defies what English told us directly, in person: "We won't open until I think we're ready." The grand opening party last Thursday, we were told, was not the official opening, but that the restaurant would be in preview mode for at least a week to 10 days, maybe even two weeks. Chef didn't sound confident at that moment, but sincere. Who knows, maybe he finally turned all that screen time into a solid acting career. Wait, it gets better: Ask for a reservation, and you're told the restaurant is booked solid until April 3. Ask if you can come in for a drink or app at the bar, and you'll hear that, no, you need a dinner reservation. To walk into the bar. For a cocktail. Even if you don't want to eat. "But that may change after April 3."
Something about Happi Songs just wasn't working for Steven Arroyo, so he closed, did some minor decor changes, and went in a more American bistro direction with Goat. The new restaurant was to be called Wyeth, but literally overnight, Arroyo decided on Goat as a name. It's less contrived than Happi Songs, for sure, and probably more what the neighborhood needs, and considering how well Cobras & Matadors still does, and hitting the mark with newer concepts like 750ml and Sgt. Recruiter, it probably fits his repertoire better. The menu is right price point for the small, eclectic, Rita Flora-adjacent space. There are some goat references (cheese, confit) and all we can say is those dishes better work, because you can't serve something named after the restaurant and have it suck. And really, everyone needs to lay off the "bleating" puns.
Goat Arroyo, goat confit, goat cheese
460 S. La Brea Ave, 323.936.7622 Mon-Fri 11:30am-11:30pm; Sat 5:30-11:30
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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GLENDALE: We have a sneak peek at Octavio Becerra's menu from one of the preview dinners---it will always change, but still gives a good idea of what the former Patina chef is going for: Approachable yet refined, wine-compatible, seasonal, artisanal, small plates and entrees. Sure, it's along car dealership row in Glendale, a little off the beaten track, but can we just talk about the "porkfolio" and "mason jars" filled with potted pork shoulder, lamb neck or olives with citrus and thyme? Oh my. Palate Food + Wine soft opens tonight for dinner. (image via UrbanDaddy) (933 S. Brand Blvd, 818.662.9463)
SILVER LAKE: One more reason why we're lucky to have Intelligentsia in LA: We have the "best barista in America" right here. Kyle Glanville, barista and Manager of Espresso Research, just won the US Barista Competition in Minneapolis this weekend. What does one have to do to win such an honor? Wow the judges by preparing and serving four espressos, four cappuccinos and four original signature drinks of their own creation---all within a 15-minute timeframe. Next up is the World Barista Competition in Copenhagen, and if he wins that, he can start calling himself the "Best Barista in the World." Someone might dump coffee grounds on his head if he does, but he can still say it. [EaterWire Inbox]
This just in: Lemonade, the nouveau cafeteria-esque spot on Beverly Boulevard (in former Tea Garden) debuts today at 11am. Caterers Alan and Heidi Jackson (Jackson Somerset Catering) 
More grab-and-go options for worker bees downtown: Lemonade, a cafeteria-style lunch spot from the people behind Jackson Someset Catering, 
CULVER CITY: Cafe, shop, art space all in one, 
SILVER LAKE: From a tipster: "I live in silverlake, and I LOVE tomato pie on melrose near fairfax. I learned a few weeks ago that they were planning a silverlake location. I just saw this 
SILVER LAKE: 
By all accounts, Charlie Trotter should be as fond of Vegas as PETA is of prime rib. His eponymous restaurant flamed out famously in 1995, after 15 months in the MGM Grand. Bloodied but unbowed, he maintained his flagship in Chicago while (apparently) plotting a return to the High Desert whenever the time was right for a return bout. He doesn’t seem to have the empire-building urges of many of his colleagues---Cabo San Lucas houses his only other outpost---so when word got out that the Palazzo was granting him a rematch, gourmands and bean-counters alike wondered if he was punch drunk. Open almost two weeks now, 
