BREAKING NEWS: STEFAN'S RESTAURANT, REVEALED!!!

For the past few weeks rumors swirled around Top Chef's Stefan Richter and the location of his new Santa Monica restaurant. Speculation ranged from the Abode space to L.A. Farm to a spot on Abbott Kinney, and we just got confirmation that as of June 12, Stefan Richter officially co-owns L.A. Farm (with original owner Alex Winitsky), making the new name Stefan's at L.A Farm. Even though he took over the kitchen last Friday, Stefan plus Chef de Cuisine and longtime friend Leo Bongaro have been serving the restaurant's old menu. However, starting tomorrow, June 26, the restaurant will close for renovations, and Stefan will host a garage sale spanning this weekend, selling items from the "old" L.A. Farm.

Additional details per a tipster: "I had lunch there last Friday, Stefan's first day supervising, and a spinach ravioli for $14 was delicious, as was my companion's steak/frites for $16. Hosea, 2008's Top Chef winner, came in with a small entourage and could be overheard trying to coax Stefan into joining them at the Viceroy for late night drinks. Stefan's reply: 'Buddy, I'm a working chef now. I can't play around like you.' The staff appears caught up in the excitement of a new chef/owner who is clearly determined to make his business a success. (He had spent the early part of his first day cleaning out the drains in front of the restaurant.)" After its temporary shutter tomorrow, Stefan's at L.A. Farm will reopen August 4. The concept is tapas-style small plates starting at $3 with a limited entree section, a small affordable wine list, and a traditional lunch menu. [EaterWire]
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