VENICE: A reader tips us off to Gjelina (pronounced "jelina") opening on Abbot Kinney. The new seasonal, market-focused restaurant soft opened on Sunday, July 20, and they won't commit to a full public open date, but all AKers stay on alert: It will happen sometime this week. Someone spotted the restaurant-in-the-making not too long ago, and raved about the patio. More details: Reclaimed brick and wood ceilings throughout, a "charcuterie table" in the middle of the dining room. Robert Schwan from Wabi Sabi and 72 Market (way back in the day) is operating manager, and Travis Lett, formerly of Tengu and Nine Thirty at the W, is the chef. (1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, 310.450.1429)
SANTA MONICA: Our intel was spot on: Hillston Group's new R+D Kitchen did in fact open last Thursday night. We've heard some extreme puffy verbage so far---"they did more business in five hours on Thursday than any other Hillstone restaurants have done on a full day of business" (Including Houston's? come on. Really?)---but then again, it could be all the booze. R+D is open for lunch and dinner daily. (1323 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, 310.395.3314)
SANTA MONICA: From a tipster: "Not sure if anyone cares, but I just walked by Wokcano and there's a big "Now Open" sign up..." Au contraire, friend. Someone will undoubtedly care. The location takes over the ginormous Akwa space and serves the same menu as the other locations. But there's more: Take-out, delivery, VIP and bottle service are all available. Open for lunch and dinner daily, and late night (until 2am).
(1413 5th Street, 310.458.3080)
CULVER CITY: A CC operative noticed the new Cantaloop finally opened for those in need of a froyo fix. The neighborhood is now five for six for recent Plywood. (3835 Main St)
CULVER CITY: Also spotted: LaRocco's Pizza, which just opened two weeks ago "and looked like it could use business." (3819 Main St, 310.837.8345)
WEST LA: The owners of the new Italian spot Cinqueterre emailed to say they are now open. It's in the same location as Angolo Divino and Positano before that, each lasting a few years. Seafood is a specialty, plus chestnut pasta and homemade breads and desserts. Unfortunately, the shills are in high gear on Yelp. (11047 Santa Monica Blvd, 310.473.9292)
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