Veggies Pastries via Shikibu, Poppin' Bottles at Royal/T, Backlash of SIV's Chez Jay Commentary, MORE!

MID-CITY— Grub Street reports on Shikibu, a new brown nice sushi spot that also serves a bevy of sweet pastries made from veggies. Um, sugar snap profiteroles, anyone? [Grub Street]

CULVER CITY— Starting Sunday art gallery and cafe Royal/T kicks off a "Tokyo Nouveau"- themed brunch. Pop bottles of Veuve du Vernay Brut Champagne at $28, eat Eggs Benedict or Salade Niçoise, listen to beats curated by rotating guest DJs. There's also bottomless mimosas for $12. It's like Sundays at XIV...kinda. [EaterWire]

SANTA MONICA— Following SIV's review last week of the Yard, she received backlash after writing: "Chez Jay on Ocean Avenue is one of the last holdouts, someplace where you can slip onto a barstool and join in the camaraderie over a beer and a steak. But it just isn't the same since owner Jay Fiondella passed away two years ago." Today she changes her tune calling it a "beloved neighborhood pub." [LAT]

PASADENA— Next door to Elements Kitchen comes Monopole Wine, a new vino shop and tasting bar. Come by nightly for themed flights and a rotating selection of wines by the glass. [EaterWire]