Grand Central Market Upgrades, Macchi's Bistro, More!

DOWNTOWN— Downtown's almost 100-year-old Grand Central Market is getting a facelift. Phase one of the multi-year rehabilitation is already underway and one of the open-air market's first new tenants is Sticky Rice (from those behind Soi 7) in place of La Mamma Burger. Grand Central Market 2.0 hopes to attract "local chefs and entrepreneurs, including retailers of bread, coffee, cheese and wine as well as sustainably raised meat and fish and farmers market produce." Also planned for the market's 12,000 square foot basement is a "foodcrafting space" called the Basement at Grand Central Market with an exhibition kitchen for classes, tastings and such. [LAT]

VENICE— The Pasta Factory on Washington is now operating under a new name, Macchi's Bistro. Management has tweaked the Italian restaurant's menu and interior. [Yo! Venice!]

PALMS— Asian cream puff parlor Beard Papa is taking over the long empty Guelaguetza space on Palms Boulevard that was supposed to return as Mitla. [Grub Street]