La Buca's expansion, the early days
HOLLYWOOD: It seems that the expansion for Osteria La Buca has been going on forever, and it's?still going on. A reader sends an update: "Stopped by the construction going on at La Buca on Melrose just west of Wilton on Saturday, and the gate was finally open, workers were everywhere, moving equipment around and into place, etc. The place looks fabulous, is two floors with the downstairs having a central bar area with tables surrounding it and out onto an outdoor-ish looking patio, while upstairs there is a fireplace, with walls on both floors lined in a lovely blondish colored siding that really makes the room stand out. Will be a beautiful people watching place. Lots of exterior glass facing Melrose. Kris Keith is doing the design work. It is a far cry from his Bowery, Max and Ortolan days!" Coincidentally, we met the striking Kris Keith last night at the Angeleno party and he said things are moving along nicely, but didn't give a hint as to when things would finish. [EaterWire Inbox]
WEST HOLLYWOOD: Our liquor license expert sends word that Innovative Dining Group applied for a license for BOA at 9220 Sunset Blvd, across the street from Blowfish and Nonna (formerly Joss, and has that opened yet?). So the rumor that IDG will move BOA from the Grafton sounds even truer than what the rep led us to believe. This isn't for a full liquor license, which doesn't bode well for the steak-and-martini set. [EaterWire Inbox]
BEVERLY HILLS: Someone queries us about 9465 Santa Monica Blvd.: "Have you heard anything about this location yet? Lots of different rumors. The most legit I've heard so far is a famous cupcake place from NYC, but nobody I've spoken to knows for sure. Whoever it is, damn good location." Could this be true? Another cupcakery, just two blocks from Sprinkles? Wouldn't it be ironic if it's Magnolia, which started this whole craze? Anyone know for sure? [EaterWire Inbox]
CULVER CITY: A reader says Pampas Grill, the churrascaria "of Farmer's Market fame," is opening on Overland behind Famima. According to the website, this is true. We called the original location to ask about an open date and were told, "In about a month, we're going to put signs out saying when we'll open." Got that? [EaterWire Inbox]
SANTA MONICA: The question isn't what's up with Akwa, it's "it's still open?" Apparently for more than just sushi: "So yesterday evening around 8 p.m., I was walking around Santa Monica near the Promenade with my mom. We wanted to go for sushi and checked out the menu at Akwa. Can you please tell me why there was someone sleeping on one of the banquettes? We were so creeped out by this that we decided to go back to my apartment and have dinner there." No word if it was a hobo or just a bored server, but either way, not a good sign. [EaterWire Inbox]
