We did it backwards: We opted to melt inland rather than stay cool Santa Monica. What on earth were we thinking? We do not advise this. To keep cool, please enjoy a little Dish before the long weekend.
MID-CITY/BEV CTR: We got a post-Plywood peek at Food Court L.A. last weekend, and now it's officially open. A first report: "It's a cool place, a nice addition to the neighborhood. As Joans/Little Next Door aren't open late, Doughboys is having "construction issues," Toast is really for brunch, Tasca/Little Door are expensive, and Izakaya is sushi, it's nice to have another dinner option. No, Wokano is not an option, ever, for anything..." Our tipster says that the room was loud and hot, the food is pretty rich comfort food "with pan-ethnic twists," and there will probably be live music sometime down the road. "I'm sure, as happened with The 3rd Stop, the neighbors will start to complain when smokers are loud on the curb..." All in all, he's pretty impressed even if it's a horribly named place. Open daily noon to 1am. [8334 W. 3rd Street, 323.782.9689]
PACIFIC PALISADES: Chef Antonio Mure from Piccolo in Venice and La Botte in SM has opened Il Carpaccio in the Palisades. From the website: "a stylish and elegant design that includes a handsome wine bar and an outdoor seating, along with Chef Antonio’s famous dishes." Open for lunch and dinner daily. [538 Palisades Drive, 310.573.1411]
MALIBU: A reader sends word that Terra opened "In that cool space on PCH, north of Dukes on opposite side of street. Think it used to be Italian." Terra's owners are Chris and Kristine Bocchino (he's chef, she runs front) formerly of Rix, Josie, Dry Creek Inn and most recently the Whisper Lounge at the Grove. From our tipster: "Small, cozy dining area and a nice patio set up for casual, but I guess they'll need this area for dinner as there is a bar as well. The food is great. I'd say California Fresh Cuisine, but I just made that up. Clean, quality food with simple yet interesting preparations. Small wine list on the Cali mid-range side but also some Euro mid- to mid-high range selections." The restaurant is open Tue-Sun for dinner only. [21337 Pacific Coast Hwy., 310.456.1221]
