SANTA MONICA: Sushi Roku's new project right next door, simply called Robata Bar, will open in early October. The bar took a couple spaces next door on Santa Monica Boulevard and will seat about 50 people. There will be beer, robatayaki and a raw bar. No reservations, open late, etc. etc. [EaterWire Inbox]
MID-CITY/BEV CTR: Third Street watcher Tasha reports that an organic Mediterranean café will replace Chinese Festival on 3rd and Sweetzer. An owner told her it will be vegetarian-friendly and cheap. [Blackburn & Sweetzer]
WOODLAND HILLS: In what's fast becoming a meat vortex, a Morton's Steakhouse will open in the Triana Warner Center project on Canoga Avenue. Our Valley spy says there's still work being done on the center, but a Morton's rep told us the restaurant hopes to open by mid-November. There's already a Fleming's and Ruth's Chris at the mall nearby, plus a Kate Mantilini, how much more meat-potatoes-chopped salad does one sprawling neighborhood need? [EaterWire Inbox]
