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News for Restaurants in Los Angeles
June 2011 Archive

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LOS ANGELES RESTAURANT NEWS - JUNE 2011 Archive


OPENINGS

Ten Pound (£10) has opened on the second level of the Montage Beverly Hills. The bar is almost exclusively dedicated to Macallan Scotch whisky, and there's a brief menu of gourmet bar bites such as caviar, artisan cheeses and bison tartare. Ten Pound, Montage Beverly Hills, 225 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210, 310-860-5808.
 
Chef Ludovic Lefebvre of LudoBites 7 Chef Ludovic Lefebvre has brought back his pop-up restaurant, LudoBites 7 (also called 007), to Gram & Papas downtown. It's held on select evenings through September 10, 2011. Reservations are required. For more information, visit www.ludolefebvre.com/ludo-bites. LudoBites 7, 227 E. 9th St., Los Angeles, CA 90015, no phone.
 
Chef Ricardo Zarate (Mo-Chica) has opened Picca in part of the former Test Kitchen space on Pico, dishing up inventive, high-end Pervian fare. Expect elegant small and large dishes ranging from seasonal ceviches and anticuchos to a quinoa croquette with poached egg and pancetta, Peruvian paella with sea urchin sauce, and duck leg confit. An upstairs lounge mixes up signature handmade pisco cocktails. Picca, 9575 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035, 310-277-0133.
 
Taberna Mexicana is now open in Beverly Hills. Executive chef Alex Padilla (Boulevard, San Francisco) has created an upscale Latin fusion menu with signature dishes including a wide range of ceviches, pumpkin seed-crusted scallops, lamb shank marinated with pasilla chiles, Prime rib with mole rub, and braised duck tacos. Handcrafted cocktails are created by Bobby Heugel of Houston's Anvil Bar & Lounge. Lunch & Dinner daily. Taberna Mexicana, 369 North Bedford Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90212, 310-858-7070.
 
A sister spot to West Hollywood's popular bar Saint Felix is now open on Cahuenga Boulevard in the old Citizen Smith space. At Saint Felix Hollywood expect a nightlife-centered evening scene with sexy décor, al fresco alley seating, and handcrafted signature cocktails. A menu of small plates from chef Brian Vaccarella features Kobe sliders and Moroccan chicken cups, while signature menu items include gratin-baked goat cheese fondue, chicken breast with Pommery mustard glaze, and pan-seared maple chili salmon. Dinner nightly. Saint Felix Hollywood, 1600 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028, 323-469-5001.
 
Mercato di Vetro, a project from sbe (The Bazaar by José Andrés, Cleo, among others) is scheduled to open in the former Mi-6 space this fall. The two-story restaurant will offer Italian small plates from chef Danny Elmaleh. Mercato di Vetro, 9077 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069, 310-859-8369.
 
Mr. C, the signature restaurant at the Mr. C Hotel in Beverly Hills, has made its debut. It's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and serves pizzas and classic dishes from the Cipriani restaurants, such as carpaccio and baked tagliolini. Mr. C, Mr. C Hotel, 1224 Beverwil Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90035, 310-226-6245.
 
Restaurateur Steven Arroyo (owner of Cobras & Matadors; founder of Malo and Church & State) has opened Escuela Taqueria. The small, 25-seat eatery will offer a rotating selection of about a dozen tacos incorporating ingredients from local farms and ranchers, including duck, pork, birria and tongue. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily. Escuela Taqueria, 308 N. Stanley Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036, 323-939-8226.
 
Chef/owner Bryant Ng, originally from Singapore and recently chef de cuisine at Pizzeria Mozza, offers polished Southeast Asian grub for lunch and dinner at The Spice Table in Little Tokyo. His wife Kim is from Vietnam, so expect traditional specialties from both countries, including daytime sandwiches made with house-made bread and charcuterie, and fancier nighttime dishes featuring satays (lamb belly and Chilean prawns), beef rendang, black pepper crab toast and Kaffir lime custard. Lunch & Dinner Mon.-Sat. The Spice Table, 114 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012, 213-620-1840.
 
The former Culver City spaces of La Ballona and Tokyo 77 are soon to become the home of the new sister spot of Studio City's Rocco's Tavern. Expect New York-style Italian fare ranging from fried calamari to specialty pizzas and pastas. There will also be an airy front patio, a full bar and 10 giant flat-screen TVs. Rocco's Tavern, 3839 Main St., Culver City, CA 90232, no phone available.
 
Rosewood Tavern is the newest offering from George Abou-Daoud (The Mercantile) on the hipster strip of Fairfax Avenue. This neighborhood steakhouse-cum-gastropub offers brick and wood stylings and a communal table, along with a nice beer list and wide selection of Scotch and Irish whiskies. Expect steaks, chops and rack of lamb, in addition to items like horseradish deviled eggs, roast beef dip sandwich, steamed mussels with lemongrass, and steak and ale pie. Dinner nightly. Rosewood Tavern, 448 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036, 323-944-0980.
 
Sean MacPherson (Jones, Swingers) has opened Il Covo in the former Orso space with a Bohemian redesign. Chef Roberto Maggioni, formerly of Locanda del Lago, offers a Milan-influenced menu featuring dishes like octopus carpaccio with potatoes and olives, haute pizzas, porcini risotto with crispy leeks, grilled branzino and osso buco. Expect a regional Italian wine list and handcrafted, high-end cocktails. The old tree-shaded patio, beloved by many former Orso patrons, still remains. Il Covo, 8706 W. Third St., Los Angeles, CA 90048, 310-858-0020.
 
Black Market Liquor Bar in Studio City Uncharacteristically hip for the Valley is Black Market Liquor Bar, which has opened in Studio City. The gastropub offers the cooking of "Top Chef" contestant Antonia Lofaso, whose eclectic menu ranges from an alligator-chorizo sausage mashup to a soft-shell po-boy with an Asian twist. A long bar dispenses signature cocktails, and a rotating selection of craft beers is featured. Black Market Liquor Bar, 11915 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604, 818-446-2533.
 
Chef Alain Giraud, most recently of Anisette Brasserie, is back on the Southern California dining scene with Maison Giraud. Ingredients are sourced from the farmers' markets in Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with brunch on the weekends. Maison Giraud, 1032 Swarthmore Ave., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, 310-459-7562.
 
In Venice, the popular restaurant Gjelina has spawned Gjelina Take Away, now open offering breakfast sandwiches starting at 7 a.m., followed by lunchtime pizzas, sandwiches and salads. Gjelina Take Away, 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291, 310-450-1429.
 
Another Broken Egg Café has opened in downtown Burbank, the 17th location in a small chain founded in the South. The egg-centric menu includes a Mardi Gras omelet filled with andouille sausage, red peppers, crawfish and scallions; various Benedict options; huevos rancheros and bananas Foster. The restaurant also offers burgers, salads, crab cake crostini and more. A full bar pours an award-winning bloody Mary. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily. Another Broken Egg Café, 250 E. Olive Ave., Burbank, CA 91502, 818-563-3344.
 
Ombra Ristorante, a venture of chef/owner Michael J. Young (formerly of Silver Lake's Domenico), opened June 1 on Cahuenga Boulevard, in the shadows of Universal Studios. Starters range from Spanish octopus salad and carne cruda, followed by casunziei (beet-filled ravioli with poppy seeds), wild boar chops and osso buco. Ombra Ristorante, 3737 Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 91604, 818-985-7337.
 
The candle-lit Onyx Lounge has opened downtown in the former Must location, offering seasonal handcrafted cocktails, artisan beer and boutique wines. Expect an elegant American menu with items like conch fritters, short ribs with truffle mashed potatoes, angus cheeseburger on brioche, and sturgeon caviar with corn blini. Dinner nightly. Onyx Lounge, 118 West 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90013, 213-891-1144.
 
Despite the prevalence of haute dogs in these recession days, Otis Jackson's Soul Dog in NoHo really does make us prick up our ears with high-concept concoctions like the original---topped with collard green relish, sweet potato and bacon---or the country dog---with fried okra, black-eyed pea and chipotle mayo and hot peppers. Sides include mac and cheese, hotwater cornbread, and for dessert, fried peach pie. Lunch & Dinner Mon.-Sat. Otis Jackson's Soul Dog, 5166 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601, 818-980-6847.
 
In Santa Monica, the rustic Villetta has taken over the former Chez Mimi space, offering upscale Italian/seasonal California fare from executive chef Pippa Calland (Le Madri, NYC.). Expect dishes like roasted marrow bones with oxtail marmalade, tagliolini with Santa Barbara uni, and brined and grilled pork chop with pickled Brooks cherries and soft polenta. Lunch Mon.-Fri. Dinner nightly. Villetta, 246 26th St., Santa Monica, CA 90402, 310-394-8455.
 

NEWS BYTES

30-Minute Lunch for $30 at Tres at the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills
Tres restaurant at the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills now features a 30-Minute Lunch Program. The menu offers a main dish such as the herb-roasted ham and cheese sandwich or SLS chopped salad plus a choice of dessert, including options like the chocolate mousse and traditional Spanish flan. This special is available Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. for $30 per person. Tres, SLS at Beverly Hills, 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90048, 310-246-5551.
 
Chef Ray Garcia's Avant-Garde Bloody Mary Menu for Summer at FIG
Spicing up his popular kegs & eggs brunch at FIG, chef Ray Garcia has added a seasonal bloody Mary menu for the summer. Creative libations include the "Green Mary" infused with cucumber, dill, grappa and serrano chili; the "Bacon Mary" with heirloom tomatoes, bacon-infused Tru Organic Gin and bacon-salt rim; and, among others, the "Foie Mary," mixing in foie gras and Belvedere vodka. FIG, The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401, 310-319-3111.
 
La Cachette Bistro Offers Wednesday Night Crêpes on the Patio
La Cachette Bistro in Santa Monica now features Wednesday Night Crêpes, with a menu of both savory (e.g., mushrooms with cream, ham and cheese; tomato, mozzarella and basil) and sweet (e.g,. chocolate or Nutella and banana; butter, sugar and lemon) varieties prepared by crêpe master Pierre-Lo Denichous on the restaurant patio, serving from 6 p.m. La Cachette Bistro, 1733 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401, 310-434-9509.
 
Chef Wolfgang Puck Wolfgang Puck to Oversee Dining Operations at Re-Designed Hotel Bel-Air
The iconic Hotel Bel-Air is scheduled to re-open in the fall after 24 months of extensive refurbishment and redesign. It recently announced that Wolfgang Puck's restaurant group will oversee all of the property's food and beverage operations which include the restaurant and bar, room service, catering and events, and the garden terrace. The restaurant will be called Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air and the menu will offer California cuisine with Mediterranean influences. Hotel Bel-Air, Hotel Bel-Air, 701 Stone Canyon Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90077, 800-648-4097.
 
"Tastes of 24" Menu Introduced at WP24 Lounge
WP24 has introduced its "Tastes of 24" at the WP24 Lounge, offering a more casual way to enjoy the WP24 experience. For $24, diners receive a three-course meal of signature dishes from the dining room menu. The experience is offered Monday through Saturday from 5 p.m.-7 p.m., along with spectacular skyline views. The weekly changing menu may feature dishes like steamed baby bao buns, dan dan dumplings, Hong Kong-style tai red snapper and the marjolasian dessert. WP24, The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, L.A. Live, 900 W. Olympic Blvd., 24th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90015, 213-743-8824.
 
Chaya Downtown's Japanese Beer Garden Open all Summer
Chaya Downtown will offers its Japanese Beer Garden again this the summer. It will take place weekday evenings through September 2 on the garden patio and in the bar and lounge. Izakaya and yakitori menu items are all under $10, Japanese beer and cocktail specials will be featured as well. Chaya Downtown, 525 S. Flower St., Los Angeles, CA 90071, 213-236-9577.
 
Mondays are Pub Night at Savory in Malibu
In Malibu, Paul Shoemaker's Savory is now open Monday nights for "pub night," from 5:30 p.m-close. The menu features crab cakes, gourmet pizzas, the Juicy Lucy" burger, a barbecue sandwich, and a Guinness float for dessert. Draft beer is $5, and most bottled beers are $4. Savory, Point Dume Village, 29169 Heathercliff Rd., Malibu, CA 90265, 310-589-8997.
 

CHEF SHUFFLE

Chef Jamie Lauren ("Top Chef") has been replaced by Roy Choi (Kogi Korean BBQ-To-Go, A-Frame, Chego) at Beechwood in Venice. Owner Dave Reiss plans to update the dining spaces, while Choi's revamped menu will lean towards contemporary American stylings. Beechwood, 822 Washington Blvd., Venice, CA 90292, 310-448-8884.
 

CLOSINGS

Check back soon for more news.

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