As we get closer to L.A. Live's second phase debut, it's high time we see if all the restaurants and entertainment venues are on schedule. When we first heard about the 15 spots planned for the new complex next to the Staples Center, everything was expected to open September/October of this year, but as happens, dates were pushed. Walking around the complex over the weekend, it looks like those to open in the next few weeks are in the midst of finishing touches, and ones not opening until next year are still basically holes in the walls. But how will all of these places fare? When a concert or event at Staples or Nokia Theatre, we get it; but when there's nothing, will they sit as idle as some of the other restuarants downtown? It will be interesting to watch. Until then, we have as many hard dates as we could muster, several tentative ones, and what's to come in Phase III.
Club Nokia
Initial Projection: Fall 2008
Current Projection: Open
A more intimiate venue to the larger Nokia Theatre; Beck opened the club last week. Location: Figueroa Street.
Lucky Strike Lanes
Initial Projection: November/"Early December"
Current Projection: Grand opening this weekend; to public on Nov.24.
18 lanes, full bar, lounge, menu, dress code, private four-lane suite with its own bar. Status: Open. Location: Entrance on Figueroa.
New Zealand Natural Ice Cream
Initial Projection: October
Current Projection: December 1 "Few more weeks"
It's not the first U.S. location, but the new shop will have LED Screens (to go with all the lighting already surrounding L.A. Live), scooped ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbets, smoothies, shakes and "Chillos." Location: Figueroa Street.
Lawry's Carvery
Initial Projection: December
Current Projection: Dec. 3, with a grand opening on Dec. 9 Dec. 15
This is the casual, grab-and-go concept for sandwiches, sides, salads, etc. Other locations include Century City and South Coast Plaza. Location: Figueroa Street.
Fleming's
Initial Projection: December
Current Projection: December 8
Chain steakhouse, extensive wine list, wine bar. Not to be confused with The Palm just spitting distance or Morton's nearby. Location: Corner of Olympic and Figueroa.
Conga Room and Boca
Initial Projection: December
Current Projection: December 10 (soft open Dec. 4)
Live music venue to replace the original that closed on Wilshire Boulevard in 2006. The restaurant, Boca, will have Pan-Latin cuisine, with Caribbean, South American and Cuban influences. Helmed by chef Alex Garcia. Location: in the Nokia Plaza between the Nokia Theatre and ESPN Zone.
Yard House
Initial Projection: December
Current Projection: Opens for lunch on December 21
Same deal as all the others: Extensive bar-food menu, lots of beers, some served in three-foot glasses, loud classic rock music. Location: Olympic Boulevard.
The Farm of Beverly Hills
Initial Projection: November
Current Projection: "Second week of December" Dec. 15
American basics just like the original in Beverly Hills and the one at the Grove. Location: Figueroa Street.
ESPN Zone
Initial Projection: December
Current Projection: First week of December OPEN
Two floors, American classics, games, sports everything. Location: Corner overlooking Nokia Plaza.
Rock'N Fish
Initial Projection: December
Current Projection: January 12
Michael Zsilis' second outpost; original in Manhattan Beach. 6,000-square-feet of New Orleans and pan-Asian flair food, Navy Grog. Location: Not sure.
Katsuya
Initial Projection: End of 2008
Current Projection: Late Q1 2009
The fourth SBE/Katsuya Uechi/Philippe Starck location with the same sushi, fancy drinks, high design. Location: Front and center, facing the main Nokia Plaza.
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill
Initial Projection: 2009
Current Projection: Late Q1 2009
"Modernized take on the bar and grill concept," designed by Tony Chi. Location: Main plaza, center location.
Rosa Mexicano
Initial Projection: 2009
Current Projection: Late Q1 2009
From New York, tableside guac, pomegranate margaritas. Location: Not sure.
Trader Vic's
Initial Projection: "Sometime in 2009"
Current Projection: Late Q1 2009
New twist on the old classic; expect it to be much shinier than the old Beverly Hilton location. Location: Olympic Boulevard, next to Yard House.
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