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February 2011 Archive

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LOS ANGELES RESTAURANT NEWS - FEBRUARY 2011 Archive

OPENINGS

West Hollywood's Il Sole has re-opened. Owners Arnold Stiefel and Andy Hewitt partnered with Brent Bolthouse to give the restaurant a new but classic look, with candlelit tables, tufted banquettes, black-and-white tiles and a pressed tin ceiling. The menu, overseen by chef Issac Rivera, highlights regional Italian dishes such as Parmigiana di melanzane alla Napoletana (Napoli-style eggplant Parmesan) and spaghetti con ragù di carne alla Toscana (Tuscan-style spaghetti with meat ragù). The restaurant also features a special crudo menu and a new wine list. Il Sole, 8741 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069, 310-657-1182.

Public Kitchen & Bar, from Tim Goodell's Domaine Restaurant Group, has made its debut at The Hollywood Roosevelt, replacing the former Dakota steakhouse. The new venue offers an eclectic American menu in a grand dining room that honors and complements the hotel's historic design with contemporary touches, while the restaurant's bar opens up to the hotel lobby. Specialties include chicken liver terrine with kumquat marmalade, potato tart with caramelized onions and pancetta, lamb Bolognese with ricotta, and côte d'boeuf for two. Public Kitchen & Bar, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028, 323-769-8888.

In Long Beach, Parker's Lighthouse has added the Queensview Steakhouse atop its third floor, finishing a $2.5 million remodel and modernization project. Besides the a romantic 360-degree view, the new steakhouse acts as a "supper club," which is open to the public on Friday and Saturday nights. It offers a long bar, live music and an upscale California menu featuring Prime steaks, chops, lobster, fresh grilled fish, as well as a lengthy wine list. Queensview Steakhouse, 435 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802, 562-432-6500.

Highland Park Cafe de Leche owners Matt and Anya Schodorf have opened a new neighborhood gourmet sandwich spot, Schodorf's Luncheonette, across the street on York Boulevard. Expect smoked turkey and arugula, pesto Caprese and vegetarian sandwiches, with salads ranging from Greek to citrus, and soups as well. The luncheonette is open daily from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Schodorf's Luncheonette, 5051 York Blvd., Highland Park, CA 90042, 323-258-8040.

Shunji Nakao, owner of top valley spot Asanebo, has opened Shunji's in West Hollywood. Expect high-end sushi and sashimi like kampachi with chives, garlic and sesame ponzu; sweet shrimp with black truffle oil; oyster tempura and the chef's notable omakase menu. Dinner nightly. Shunji's, 7015 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038, 323-933-6500.

Chef John Rivera Sedlar (Rivera) has opened Playa in the former Grace space. His menu of Latin cuisine features small plates like Arroz con Pato (duck confit, baby vegetable pickles, arroz blanco jus, fresno chilies, chives and micro cilantro). Playa, 7360 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036, 323-933-5300.

Soon to be filling the Old Pasadena space recently vacated by Brix 42 is Haven Gastropub, slated for a February 2011 opening. A branch of Old Towne Orange favorite Haven Gastropub, it will offer artisanal beers on tap to pair with eclectic menu items including the likes of ceviche, cassoulet, shepherd's pie, lamb burger, short rib sliders, and chicken and waffles, finished with oddities such as beer floats and bacon ice cream. Haven Gastropub, 42 S. De Lacey Ave., Pasadena, CA 91105, no phone yet.

The BLT family of restaurants has debuted GO Burger, a brick-and-mortar restaurant in the heart of Hollywood---a spinoff of its GO Burger truck currently rolling the streets of New York. Among its specialties is the UltiMELT burger, whose "buns" are a pair of Gruyère-and-rye grilled cheese sandwiches. Other items include chicken wings, Kobe dog, salmon burger, mac and cheese, fish and chips, Vidalia onion rings and booze-spiked milkshakes. Lunch and dinner is served daily. GO Burger, 6290 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028, 323-327-9355.

Brothers George Ghaby and Charbel Ghabi have introduced Rounds Premium Burgers in West Hollywood. Build-your-own-burgers and featured specialties include "the Western Devil" combo of buffalo sauce, breaded jalapeno and bacon, and "The California" with bacon, American cheese and guacamole. Rounds Premium Burgers, 8871 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069, 310-855-1004.

East Hollywood now boasts a new gourmet sausage store and specialty butcher shop called Grindhaus, located on Hollywood Boulevard. Expect artisan sausages ranging from duck, venison and rabbit to wild boar, lamb Merguez and traditional Italian. Gourmand chefs will also delight in finding items such as roasted duck stock, house-made mustard with smoked porter and bacon, and pickled fennel. A Grindhaus food truck will debut shortly. Grindhaus, 5634 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028, 323-462-6328 .

In Hollywood, Maui and Sons Bar & Grill has opened in the Egyptian Theater's courtyard. This homage to Southern California surf culture rides a tiki-tinged wave with tropical drinks served in coconuts, 20 beers on tap priced at $3, and lunch and dinner selections that include lava wings, a volcano burger, blackened swordfish, teriyaki and Korean flank steak. Lunch & Dinner daily. Maui and Sons Bar & Grill, 6708 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028, 323-463-3130.

NEWS BYTES

Savory's Wine Lovers Nights
Savory in Malibu now features Wine Lovers Nights on Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. All bottles (excluding the reserve list) are half price. For reservations, call 310-589-8997. Savory, 29169 Heathercliff Rd., Malibu, CA 90265, 310-589-8997.

Mussels Frites and Craft Beers Menu Debuts at Morels
Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro is serving a special menu pairing mussels frites and craft beer through March 31. Dishes include mussels steamed with tarragon, garlic and crème fraiche; mussels chowder-style with corn, bacon and cream sauce; and mussels steamed in salsa verde broth with herbs and pistou. The featured beers being poured are Schneider Brewery "Organic" wheat beer from Germany; Allagash Brewing Co. white ale from Portland; Great Divide Brewing's Hercules Double IPA from Colorado; and North Coast Brewing's Brothers Thelonius from California. The moules and craft beer menu is available all day. Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro, The Grove, 6301 W. Third St., Los Angeles, CA 90036, 323-965-9595.

Fresh Florida Stone Crabs Now at The Grill on the Alley
Only available through March, fresh Florida stone crabs will be a special at The Grill on the Alley in Beverly Hills and Westlake. The Florida stone crabs are served less than 24 hours out of the ocean and delivered to the restaurants several times during the week. They are available as an appetizer of two large claws for $38, or a main course of four for $58. For the complete Florida stone crab experience, a mini Key lime martini and Key lime pie tartlet comes with two claws for $48 at the Westlake location. The Grill on the Alley, 9560 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, 310-276-0615.

$20.11 Two-Course Brunch at The Backyard
The Backyard at the W Los Angeles Westwood is offering a two-course brunch for $20.11 every Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Starter options include blueberry scones, crab cakes and heirloom tomato salad, while main dishes range from brioche french toast to grilled swordfish tacos to the signature cheeseburger. A bottle of wine or unlimited mimosas or Bloody Marys are available for an additional $20.11. The Backyard, W Los Angeles Westwood, 930 Hilgard Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024, 310-443-8218.

The Blvd Brings In the "Big Cheese"
The Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel has teamed up with The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills to serve special cheese offerings in the The Blvd restaurant every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening. For more information, visit GAYOT's blog. The Blvd, Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212, 310-275-5200.

Discounts and Deals at Obika
Guests who visit Obika Mozzarella Bar in Century City and present a same-day movie ticket from the AMC Century City receive 10-percent off the total bill. Additionally, guests visiting either the Century City or Beverly Center Obika locations on Sundays are treated to 50-percent off all bottles of wine. Obika Mozzarella Bar, Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90067, 310-556-2452.

CHEF SHUFFLE

Chef Andrew Kirschner has left Wilshire Restaurant. He plans to open his own establishment, Tar & Roses (602 Santa Monica Blvd.), in the fall. Wilshire Restaurant, 2454 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90403, 310-586-1707.

Michael Bryant, former chef of Father's Office and BIN 8945, has now stepped up to helm the stoves at The Hall, where he replaces chef Gary Menes. The Hall, Palihouse Holloway, 8465 Holloway Dr., West Hollywood, CA 90069, 323-656-4100.

Water Grill has promoted Amanda Baumgarten, a competitor on season 7 of "Top Chef," to the position of executive chef. Water Grill, 544 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90071, 213-891-0900.

CLOSINGS

Chef-owner Makoto "Mako" Tanaka closed Mako on February 26 with plans to move the restaurant to Santa Monica. Mako, 225 S. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90212, no phone.

Two adjoining Pacific Palisades eateries owned by former mayor Richard Riordan, The Oak Room and Village Pantry, have closed. It's reported that Lenny Rosenberg (owner of Santa Monica's 17th Street Café) has purchased the venue and will re-open it soon as Lenny's Deli, offering a Jewish-style deli menu reminiscent of Mort's Deli, which previously occupied the same restaurant space for 30 years. The Oak Room, 1035 Swarthmore Ave., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, no phone.

Monica May's downtown Banquette Café & Wine Bar has closed. Banquette Café & Wine Bar, 400 S. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90013, 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

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BEYONCE INSPIRED LIBATIONS

Try these whiskey cocktails inspired by Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album.

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BOURBON IN YOUR AIOLI

This cashew aioli recipe gets a kick with bourbon.

Get the recipe.

GAYOT'S RESTAURANT AWARDS

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

Check the list.

News for Restaurants in Los Angeles February 2011 Archive

News for Restaurants in Los Angeles
February 2011 Archive