Nikita, Rocking Malibu July 1 with Mediterranean Hotness

Grid View

After much back and forth, Nikita, an upscale Mediterranean restaurant with Italian inclination, has staked claim on the building next to Nobu Malibu on the PCH. And based on its decorated list of characters, it's really looking to make a splash not just in Malibu, but in Los Angeles as a whole. Management says the eatery's menu, conceived by Michelin-starred chef Massimiliano Blasone (Apsleys, London), has yet to be finalized, but they're already accepting resys (310-456-3274) for a July 1 launch. Joining Blasone in the kitchen is Israeli pastry chef Tal Hausen who previously commanded sweets at The Lanesborough in London and two years ago received the Pastry Chef Award at UK's annual Craft Guild of Chefs Awards. On the drinks side there's Karl Kessab, the world's first tea sommelier, but wine sommelier Renée-Nicole Kubin and bar honcho Greg Seider of Manhattan's The Summit Bar are responsible for getting you buzzed.

For the first few months Nikita, named after building owner Larry Ellison's girlfriend, will only offer dinner, with hours of operation from 5 to 10 p.m. But breakfast and lunch are expected to eventually follow. Oh, and here's an early look at some food porn.
·All Nikita Coverage [~ELA~]