Since 1969, restaurant, hotel, travel & other witty reviews by a handpicked, worldwide team of discerning professionals—and your views, too.




 

News for Restaurants in Los Angeles
August 2013 Archive

Openings / Closings / Chef Shuffle / News Bytes / Sign up for our free, monthly newsletter / News Archive

Get news for restaurants in Los Angeles.  Learn more about what's going on in your dining community.  From chefs to new restaurants, you'll get the most out of Los Angeles restaurants when you know what's going on. 

LOS ANGELES RESTAURANT NEWS - AUGUST 2013 Archive


OPENINGS

Recently opening in suddenly trendy Atwater Village is Village Tavern, featuring a menu that fuses Mexican and all-American barbecue in dishes like chorizo-spiced pulled pork tacos or smoked barbecued brisket burritos. Also available are beer-battered avocado fries or jalapeño rings to pair with burgers, nachos or wings. About a dozen craft beers rotate on tap, along with 50 in bottles and cans. Dinner Tues.-Sun. Village Tavern, 3218 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90039, 323-644-0605.
 
Eagle Rock’s family-friendly spot Little Beast now prowls in the craftsman bungalow that formerly housed Larkin's. Husband-and-wife team Deborah Schwartz Lowenthal and Sean Lowenthal (Chateau Marmont) offer a menu of small plates including wild salmon tartare with kumquat, burrata and peach salad, and roasted organic chicken. A kids' menu features burgers, quesadillas and pasta. The international wine list has some organic and biodynamic labels; also, find craft beers and rotating drafts. Dinner Tues.-Sat. Little Beast, 1496 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90041, 323-341-5899.
 
Look for authentic Filipino street food like pork sisig (pork belly and ears), kwek-kwek (buttered quail eggs), pancit noodles, goat stew, chicken soup with Asian herbs, and fish balls at Kalye Hits, located off the 101 freeway at Barham on Cahuenga Boulevard in Hollywood. Lunch & Dinner Tues.-Sun. Kalye Hits, 3173 W. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90068, 323-512-4487.
 
The folks behind Le Ka have opened EMC Raw Bar & Seafood in K-town. The sleek, modern room offers a Cal-Asian menu focusing on fresh seafood, ranging from raw oysters, steamed clams and clam chowder to crab, lobster, fried catfish, pasta and a seafood stew. Dinner nightly. EMC Raw Bar & Seafood, City Center, 3500 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90020, 213-351-9988.
 
Visit Marugame Monzo in Little Tokyo for handmade udon. Udon fusion styles range from carbonara to uni cream, while the traditional bowls come both hot and cold. Also, find rice bowls with ikura and pork belly, and dinner items including skewers, tempura and scallop carpaccio. Lunch & Dinner daily. Marugame Monzo, 329 E. First St., Los Angeles, CA 90012, 213-346-9762.
 
Chef Brian Malarkey, who operates Herringbone, Searsucker and Gabardine in the San Diego area, will open Herringbone at the Mondrian Los Angeles. It will open in January 2014 in the space that currently houses Asia de Cuba. Herringbone, Mondrian, 8440 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069, no phone.
 
The dining options at Los Angeles International Airport will significantly improve with the opening of chef Mark Peel's Campanile, which is scheduled for Fall 2013. Los Angeles International Airport, Terminal 4, Los Angeles, CA 90045, no phone.
 
State Social House made its debut on the Sunset Strip on August 28, 2013, replacing Red Rock Eatery and Isla Cantina. The three-level venue offers a gastropub menu from executive chef Vernon Cárdenas with options like Niman Ranch pork belly tacos. State Social House, 8782 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069, 310-657-8100.
 
The Pasadena location of Coolhaus debuted in Old Pasadena August 2 --- National Ice Cream Sandwich Day. The innovative ice cream truck, which previously morphed into a brick-and-mortar establishment in Culver City, expands to the Rose City with its famous skyscraper-style ice cream sandwiches, shakes and exotic ice creams like fried chicken and waffles, Guinness chip, and mango-saffron sorbet. Open daily. Coolhaus, 59 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91105, 626-486-2700.
 
Eric Greenspan is opening Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese next to his restaurant The Foundry (which is still under renovations) this fall. The casual eatery, designed by Spacecraft, will feature a long counter, and guests can expect a menu of highly inventive grilled cheese creations. Greenspan's Grilled Cheese, 7465 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036, no phone.
 
Lou Amdur (Lou) has partnered with Jessica Koslow of Sqirl to open Lou’s Wine and Provisions annexed right next door, and sharing an adjoining kitchen that will produce artisan charcuterie and pickles, in addition to Koslow’s cult-favorite jams. Amdur’s market will also offer breads, cheeses and exotic canned items, along with an affordable selection of wines all under $25. Breakfast & Lunch daily. Lou’s Wine and Provisions, 720 North Virgil Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90029, 213-394-6526.
 
Restaurateur Bill Chait (Rivera, Bestia) and chef Walter Manzke (Bastide, Church & State, Petty Cash Taqueria) will open their new bistro Republique in the former Campanile space in winter 2013. Manzke also plans to open a bakery-cafe with his pastry chef wife in the connected storefront, which was Nancy Silverton’s original flagship La Brea Bakery. Republique, 624 S La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036, no phone.
 
Three’s a charm for chef Josef Centeno (Baco Mercat, Bar Ama), who’s about to open a third eatery downtown. Orsa & Winston will debut in the fall next to Centeno’s Tex-Mex Bar Ama, with a menu featuring Italian small plates. Orsa & Winston, 122 West 4th St., Los Angeles, CA 90013, no phone.
 
In Malibu, chef Chris Bocchino (Terra) is dishing up elegant Cal-Med fare at V’s Restaurant + Bar in the former Charlie’s space. Expect flatbreads, pizzas and pastas, as well as entrées like wild sea bass with cauliflower ragout and filet mignon with a mushroom demi-glace. Also, find fresh signature cocktails and a boutique wine list leaning towards the West Coast and local wineries. Dinner nightly. V's Restaurant + Bar, 22821 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, CA 90265, 310-456-3828.
 
In September, Pasadena will welcome Grist & Toll, L.A.’s first “urban flour mill,” a venture of Marti Noxon and Sweet Butter pastry chef Nan Kohler. Locally sourced grains will be ground on site and sold to area restaurants and bakeries. Retail customers are also welcome to pick up small-batch flour and freshly baked bread. The actual mill is being imported from Austria. Grist & Toll, 990 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena, CA 91105, no phone.
 
Speakeasy styled cocktail lounge Ebanos Crossing has recently opened in DTLA. Downtown L.A.’s new cocktail and dining experience Ebanos Crossing is serving up handcrafted spirit-focused libations created by mixologist and beverage director Philip Ward (co-owner of Mayahuel in New York.) The bar/restaurant spotlights the spirits encountered on smugglers' routes forged during the '20s and '30s along the South-central Texas crossing from Mexico to the United States, with signature cocktails like the “Bear Flag Revolt” with rye whiskey, mezcal, cocchi torino and Benedictine, among other ingredients ($12). Culinary offerings highlighting the epicurean identity of the region feature baked oysters with habanero lime butter and adobo sauce; medianoche sliders with braised pork, black forest ham, smoked gouda and maple mustard; and paella with mussels, clams, shrimp, chorizo and jasmine rice. Dinner Tues.-Sat. Ebanos Crossing, 200 S. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012, 213-935-8829.
 
The Rockefeller to open in Manhattan Beach this fall. The former Manhattan Beach space of Mr. Cecil's California Ribs will be transformed into The Rockefeller. This second branch of the Hermosa Beach gastropub is scheduled for a Fall 2013 opening. The Rockefeller, 1209 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, no phone.
 
In the former Xino space in Santa Monica Place, the indoor/outdoor Redwood Grille now perches above the Third Street Promenade. Expect an American menu featuring steaks and burgers, lamb, chicken and fish, as well as other seafood like grilled octopus and a lobster grinder. Lunch & Dinner daily. Redwood Grille, Santa Monica Place, 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, CA 90401, 310-576-0600.
 
Downtown’s Grand Central Market now boasts authentic Texas barbecue at Horse Thief. The house specialty is pork spare ribs, but other temptations include chicken, pulled pork and beef brisket. Sides feature blue cheese and bacon potato salad, jicama slaw, heirloom beans and mac and cheese; try the biscuit cobbler for dessert. Lunch & Dinner daily. Horse Thief, Grand Central Market, 324 S. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90013, 213-625-0341.
 
Acabar has taken over the space previously occupied by restaurant Dar Maghreb. This dimly lit restaurant-lounge transports you through a selection of small sharable plates with culinary influences that include Morocco, the French West Indies, Southeast Asia and India, among others. Acabar, 1510 N. Stanley Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90046, 323-876-1400.
 
Little Sister now open in Manhattan Beach, CA Co-owners Jed Sanford and chef Tin Vuong (Abigaile) have launched Little Sister in Manhattan Beach. The Southeast Asian menu is seasonal, but expect the likes of charred sugar cane shrimp and Vietnamese coconut chicken curry. Little Sister, 1131 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, 310-545-2096.
 
Popular Santa Monica Farmers' Market bakers Rose and David Lawrence have opened a brick-and-mortar bakery/café in Culver City, Red Bread Market & Café, now open for breakfast, lunch and tea four days a week. Find quiche, sandwiches, tartines, daily special pastries, artisan breads like “wild sourdough” and Russian black bread fermented with natural leavens, along with cookies, scones and homemade organic jams. Breakfast & Lunch Wed.-Sat. Red Bread Market & Café, 13322 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90066, 424-272-5752.
 
Chef Hans Röckenwagner will launch his new sibling of 3 Square Café in Brentwood. The 1,500-square-foot space will feature a bar and a large patio, and will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu will be similar to the original Venice location, featuring California salads and burgers, as well as Austrian specialties like goulash with spatzle, chicken schnitzel and wild boar stew. 3 Square Café, 1168 S. Barrington Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90049, no phone.
 
Chef Perry Cheung (The Slanted Door, San Francisco) has opened Phorage in the former Westside Chego space on Overland Avenue. Expect a higher-end traditional pho made with local produce and sustainable meats, and a Vietnamese menu featuring banh mi sandwiches, broken rice dishes, cold noodle salads, spring rolls and Vietnamese crepes. Lunch & Dinner Mon.-Sat. Phorage, 3300 Overland Ave., Culver City, CA 90034, 310-876-0910.
 
In Toluca Lake, Scott Kay’s (Wood & Vine) Spin The Bottle Wine Studio will open this fall. The retail wine shop/wine bar will offer a by-the-glass menu at the wine bar, with several wines on tap, and charcuterie from chef Gavin Mills (formerly of Wood & Vine). The space will also feature local art work. Spin The Bottle Wine Studio, 10139 Riverside Dr., Toluca Lake, CA 91602, no phone.
 

NEWS BYTES

Patina dining room (Credit: Lauren Noble) Patina Toasts to Ten
Chef Joachim Splichal and Patina are celebrating their move a decade ago to the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2003 with a special retrospective 10-Year Tastings Menu this fall. The restaurant will host a guest chef series of celebrated past Patina alumni. Patina, Walt Disney Concert Hall, 141 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012, 213-972-3331.
 
Ray’s & Stark Bar Launches Los Angeles’ Most Extensive Water Menu
Ray’s & Stark Bar at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art has launched L.A.’s most extensive water menu, with 20 varietals of water from around the world. Conceptualized by GM Martin Riese, (the world’s foremost certified water sommelier from the German Mineral Water Association) the water menu includes many mineral waters that are rarely found in the United States, featuring an entire page for each varietal, which is complete with tasting notes, mineral content, bottle price and photos. Guests may choose from carefully chosen waters spanning 10 countries, including Badoit from France, Vichy Catalan from Spain, and Riese’s own Beverly Hills 9OH2O. Though each water is available for sale by the bottle, Riese also offers guests a tasting menu for $12. Ray’s & Stark Bar, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036, 323-857-6180.
 
Sqirl Expanding
Chef/owner Jessica Koslow has expanded her Eastside hipster-centric Sqirl space, adding 20 seats, new flooring, and replacing the somewhat unpopular wooden crate tables with marble tabletops. Sqirl, 720 N. Virgil Ave., Ste. 4, Los Angeles, CA 90029, 213-394-6526.
 
Sadie Unveils New Food and Drink Menus
Executive chef Jonathan Moulton has unveiled a new menu at Sadie, which includes mole-rubbed New York steak, bourbon-glazed ham chop, and Moroccan spiced octopus. Mixologist Giovanni Martinez shakes up a new Negroni Sour made with Oxley gin and stinging nettle cordial, as well as the Kentucky Ninja featuring Japanese single-malt whisky, bourbon, fresh lemon juice, lavender-infused wild honey and served in a Peychaud’s Bitters-rinsed glass. Sadie, 1638 N. Las Palmas Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028, 323-467-0200.
 

CHEF SHUFFLE

Cube’s executive chef Erin Eastland has moved over to helm the stoves (and pizza oven) at Milo & Olive. Sous chef Duke Gervais is now in charge at Cube. Milo & Olive, 2723 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90403, 310-453-6776.
 

CLOSINGS

In West Hollywood, BLT Steak has closed after five years. A new restaurant concept in the space will be announced soon. BLT Steak, 8720 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069, no phone.
 
Chef/owner Michael Young has announced the closing of his restaurant, Ombra Ristorante, in Studio City, following a two-year run. Final service will take place Friday, September 6. Ombra Ristorante, 3737 Cahuenga Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604, 818-985-7337.
 
Chez Soi in Manhattan Beach has closed its doors. Chez Soi at the Metlox Plaza in Manhattan Beach has shuttered. The restaurant opened in April 2013 as a collaboration between Thierry Perez (Fraiche, L'Epicerie Market) and Mark Gold (Eva). Chez Soi, Metlox Plaza, 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, no phone.
 
Lola's will close its doors after brunch service on September 8, 2013. The West Hollywood spot is known for its selection of martinis. Lola's, 945 N. Fairfax Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90046, 323-654-5652.
 
Less than a year after opening, 9 Olives at Chaplin House has closed. Chef Kevin O’Connell is reported to be turning the space into a tapas bar and lounge tentatively named Punk’s, set to open in early autumn. 9 Olives at Chaplin House, 8210 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046, no phone.
 

CULINARY EVENTS
Want to learn to cook
? Try new dishes? Meet a foodie friend for fun? Check out our compilation of culinary events in your area.


View our calendar of Wine Dinners & Tastings in Los Angeles

Discover the top restaurants in Los Angeles for various cuisines and categories like sushi, steakhouses, pizza, happy hours, romantic dining and even gourmet food trucks. Find the best restaurants in LA here!

Discover the best restaurants in LA

Current News View archived news: January 2024 | December 2023 | November 2023 | October 2023 | September 2023 | August 2023 | July 2023 | June 2023 | May 2023 | March 2023 | December 2022 | November 2022 | October 2022 | September 2022 | August 2022 | July 2022 | June 2022 | May 2022 | April 2022 | March 2022 | February 2022 | January 2022 | December 2021 | November 2021 | October 2021 | September 2021 | August 2021 | July 2021 | June 2021 | May 2021 | April 2021 | March 2021 | February 2021 | January 2021 | December 2020 | November 2020 | October 2020 | September 2020 | August 2020 | July 2020 | June 2020 | April 2020 | March 2020 | February 2020 | January 2020 | December 2019 | November 2019 | October 2019 | September 2019 | August 2019 | July 2019 | June 2019 | May 2019 | April 2019 | March 2019 | February 2019 | January 2019 | December 2018 | November 2018 | October 2018 | September 2018 | August 2018 | July 2018 | June 2018 | May 2018 | April 2018 | March 2018 | February 2018 | January 2018 | December 2017 | November 2017 | October 2017 | September 2017 | August 2017 | July 2017 | June 2017 | May 2017 | April 2017 | March 2017 | February 2017 | January 2017 | December 2016 | November 2016 | October 2016 | September 2016 | August 2016 | July 2016 | June 2016 | May 2016 | April 2016 | March 2016 | February 2016 | January 2016 | December 2015 | November 2015 | October 2015 | September 2015 | August 2015 | July 2015 | June 2015 | May 2015 | April 2015 | March 2015 | February 2015 | January 2015 | December 2014 | November 2014 | October 2014 | September 2014 | August 2014 | July 2014 | June 2014 | May 2014 | April 2014 | March 2014 | February 2014 | January 2014 | December 2013 | November 2013 | October 2013 | September 2013 | August 2013 | July 2013 | June 2013 | May 2013 | April 2013 | March 2013 | February 2013 | January 2013 | December 2012 | November 2012 | October 2012 | September 2012 | August 2012 | July 2012 | June 2012 | May 2012 | April 2012 | March 2012 | February 2012 | January 2012 | December 2011 | November 2011 | October 2011 | September 2011 | August 2011 | July 2011 | June 2011 | May 2011 | April 2011 | March 2011 | February 2011 | January 2011 | December 2010 | November 2010 | October 2010 | September 2010 | August 2010 | July 2010 | June 2010 | May 2010 | April 2010 | March 2010 | February 2010 | January 2010 | December 2009 | November 2009 | October 2009 | September 2009 | August 2009 | July 2009 | June 2009 | May 2009 | April 2009 | March 2009 | February 2009 | January 2009 | December 2008 | November 2008 | October 2008 | September 2008 | August 2008 | July 2008 | June 2008 | May 2008 | April 2008 | January 2007 | March 2008



VALENTINE'S DAY WINES

Add wine to the celebration of love, curated by GAYOT´s Wine & Spirits Editor.

Check the list.

CHAMPAGNE COCKTAILS

For a rosé bubbly Valentine's Day celebration.

Get the recipes.

GAYOT'S RESTAURANT AWARDSOver the years, we have been electing restaurants to be on GAYOT's Yearly Restaurant Awards.

Check the list.