Iconic Jerry’s Deli Returns to Marina del Rey With Patio Seating and Pastrami Sandwiches

Longtime Jerry’s Deli fans will be relieved to know that the historic Jewish deli has returned to Marina del Rey, in a familiar space at that. Stark’s, a sort of grown-up all day restaurant from Guy Starkman (whose father co-founded Jerry’s Famous Deli in the late 1970s), has turned into Jerry’s Patio Cafe & Bar in the expansive Marina del Rey space. With ample outdoor seating and a full bar, the reopened Jerry’s has many of the same deli favorites like the pastrami sandwich, matzo ball soup, and potato latkes. The takeout-friendly menu also encompasses some lighter dishes like vegan tortilla soup, kasha and quinoa bowl, and an Impossible burger.

Ownership of the Jerry’s Deli brand has transferred over to Jonathan Mitchell and his daughter Mandy Mitchell, who will also operate locations in Encino and Studio City, marking the end of Starkman’s ownership of the restaurant chain, which once had outlets in Miami, Costa Mesa, Westwood, and West Hollywood.

In other news:

— Randy’s Donuts will open another location, this time in Pasadena on South Lake Avenue with a coffee partnership from Jones Coffee, a local coffee legend. The opening takes place on September 2 at 6 a.m., where everyone will get a free glazed donut (until noon). The iconic donut shop has now expanded to four LA locations, with franchise deals announced across the US and even into Asia and the Middle East.

—Portuguese Bend distillery in Long Beach has won a national medal for its vodka, Breakwater, from the American Distilling Institute. The local craft distiller calls Breakwater its “Long Beach vodka” after getting guidance on its flavor from customers.

—The Daily Breeze looks at the experience of visiting a theme park during a pandemic. Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park has reopened many of its food stalls and restaurants into an event called the Taste of Knott’s, while its rides and shows remain closed. The event goes until September 13 with visitors getting the chance to try a sampling of the park’s dishes for $30. All the dining is outdoor and the place seems to have safety protocols in effect.

—Trusty Westside blogger Toddrickallen reports that Taste in Pacific Palisades has closed, joining the restaurant’s more notable Melrose location, which also closed months ago.

—Looks like Marina del Rey’s dining scene will get a big boost from the trio of HiHo Cheeseburger, Kazunori, and Uovo, which will all be opening at Pier 44. The trio of restaurants, operated in part by founders of the Sugarfish restaurant group, has chosen the model of opening together before, notably in Mid-Wilshire. Cheeseburgers, sushi hand rolls, and fresh Italian pasta, respectively, will arrive in Marina del Rey by summer 2021 if all goes well.

—While the Hollywood Bowl isn’t operating right now, food operators Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne (of AOC and Tavern) are offering the music venue’s food to go as picnic meals.