BEVERLY HILLS: After 15 years, Porta Via has doubled in size thanks to gobbling up the flower shop next door, with a tweaked menu and wine selection. Designed by owner Peter Garland's wife Jill, it's now a little more chic, contemporary, bistro; same unpretentious vibe and regulars. Garland said, "It just needed it." The wine program was redesigned by Jeff Morgenthal, who was head sommelier at Joel Robuchon at the Mansion in Vegas, and worked at Enoteca Drago a few doors down and Gary Danko in SF. The restaurant opens daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. [EaterWire]
WEST HOLLYWOOD: We posted that Monroe's, another Peter Garland-owned spot, had closed with Villa replacing it. We have a few more details on that. Garland said that after a couple of successful years, he wanted to either sell Monroe's or take on a partner who can do things right: "It needed more energy." So former SBEer Reza Roohi has taken over and will open Villa probably by the end of October. New look, new owner. Garland will stay behind the scenes, time to focus more on Porta Via. [EaterWire]
WESTWOOD: We should just call it the Frozen Dessert Wars now. People seem to love the Piccomolo gelato in Little Tokyo, and there are several others around town (Encino, Pasadena, Pacific Palisades and Irvine). The company continues to expand. Next up: 1146 Westwood Boulevard, then the Westfield malls in Canoga Park and Arcadia. The Westwood store debuts next weekend. [EaterWire]
