EaterWire: Zen Zoo Still Eyeing Westside, New Chefs for Rustic Canyon and La Poubelle

LOS ANGELES: After Zen Zoo closed its Brentwood and Beverly Hills locations, owner Alfred Ritter said they would look for a new space to reopen. It hasn't been easy. From the Zen Zoo newsletter: "Many of you have been asking when Zen Zoo Tea will return to the Westside (we miss you too!)...While we've considered some options, we have not been able to find a location that best fits Zen Zoo's business and operational needs. If you are able to help speed up that process, and you have a direct contact for a location lead (for the Santa Monica and Brentwood areas only), please e-mail: realestate@zenzootea.com." Not sure blasting your email list is the best way, but it couldn't hurt. [EaterWire Inbox]

SANTA MONICA: Once Samir Mohajer leaves Rustic Canyon Wine Bar this month, his replacement will be Evan Funke who worked with Lee Hefter at Spago and was chef de cuisine at the Avalon Hotel. Funke will stick with the seasonal menu, but he'll probably be adding some handmade pastas since he spent time in Bologna. Why we like him already: His name is pronounced "funky." [EaterWire]

HOLLYWOOD: In more chef change news, we're told Aaron Knigge is the new chef at La Poubelle. Knigge was recently at Parkway Grill and Hollywood and Vine. [EaterWire Inbox]