So many debuts, so little time. Did you see something we missed for The Dish? Just let us know.
WEHO: Maybe business at Kumo wasn't as swift as owner Michael Ovitz would've liked, but when a car hit the building he decided to turn it into another Hamasaku, his successful "Japanese California" West LA resto. The transition is officially complete, and Hamasaku Melrose is now open. We thought the all-white "cloud" inside would be renovated, but it's exactly the same. The menu is now similar to the original. (8360 Melrose Ave, 323.651.5866)
MID-CITY: Blackburn & Sweetzer spotted a new French-Caribbean place called Kassava in the former North End Pizzeria space on 3rd Street. "Cheerily appointed in bright hues, and offers up well-priced fare, from smothered baked chicken with rice and beans and steamed cabbage to oxtail ragu with Caribbean Polenta." Prices are moderate, good for the nabe, good for the times. (8600 W 3rd St, 310.385.0233; website)
MID-CITY: Another B&S sighting: Natura finally opened, bringing organic, healthful "Pan-Mediterranean" food like grilled meatballs, salads, wraps, paninis, and shish kebabs to 3rd Street. (8250 W 3rd St, 310.729.3004)
SANTA MONICA: A readers spotted the new Goudas & Vine open in the retail shops of the Archstone properties on Main Street. (It's the same owners as Three Drunken Goats in Montrose, which was Goudas & Vines before they turned it into a tapas restaurant and wine store.) The SM store carries boutique wines, cheeses, charcuterie and sandwiches, gelato, bakery items and other imported gourmet foodstuffs. Soft open for now, but the grand opening is this Friday (9/12). (2000 Main St, 310.450.6739)
VENICE: Yo! Venice has been diligently tracking the coming of Elvino, which finally opened this weekend. The wine shop carries hard-to-find selections, and they'll have a few open at the tasting bar during the week and tasting flights on the weekends. (1142 Abbot Kinney Blvd, 310.396.9705)
