33 Years Later, Stalwart Michael's in SM Going Modern

Wow. For the first time since it launched in 1979, Santa Monica-New York restaurateur Michael McCarty is planning to remodel his namesake westside American/California restaurant, Michael's. The iconic dining room, with its lush outdoor patio and impressive collection of art, will go under the knife to be reborn as "a modern-day, moderately priced American/Californian brasserie," explains McCarty. Current chef John-Carlos Kuramoto is staying on board during the renovation, serving the same farm-to-table Cali American fare, but a new "best-of-the-best" menu will launch with the restaurant's new look.

McCarty will also re-landscape the patio to expand from 70 seats to 125 seats, and grow the bar area to accommodate two 10-seat communal tables and 26 high tops. [EaterWire]