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News for Restaurants in Los Angeles
October 2015 Archive

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LOS ANGELES RESTAURANT NEWS - OCTOBER 2015 Archive


OPENINGS

Shoppers at Santa Monica Place can now nosh on burgers, salads, pizza, pasta, steaks --- plus 50 cheesecake varieties --- at the mall’s new Cheesecake Factory. The Cheesecake Factory, Santa Monica Place, 395 Santa Monica Pl., Santa Monica, CA 90401, 310-260-8300.
 
Musashiya has opened in Westwood, serving fresh, handmade udon noodles and specializing in dipping-style noodles. Expect variations from miso to carbonara, alongside tempura, sushi rolls and small Japanese side dishes. The noodle-maker himself is on display working his craft daily. Lunch & Dinner daily. Musashiya, 1049 Gayley Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024, 310-208-5999.
 
Square One Dining’s third iteration has appeared in the former Lucky Duck space in Silver Lake on Hyperion Avenue. Square One Silver Lake is now serving breakfast and lunch daily; expect packed weekend brunches with omelets and Benedicts, French toast, burgers and salads. Breakfast & Lunch daily. Square One Silver Lake, 2630 Hyperion Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027, 213-220-0938.
 
Former Barnyard chef Jesse Barber’s new Dudley Market brightens up the beach in Venice with an artisanal marketplace and restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Expect breakfast dishes like caponata hash with poached eggs, and a French omelette with a whole, fried soft shell crab. Afternoon snacks range from beets and burrata to a cheeseburger, while dinner items include salt and pepper gnocci, wild mushrooms with black rice, and chicken with fig mostarda. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily. Dudley Market, 9 Dudley Ave., Venice, CA 90291, 424-744-8060.
 
eLOVate Vegan Kitchen & Juicery has opened in Santa Monica. It’s the first restaurant from chef Roberto Martin, former personal chef to Ellen DeGeneres and Tom Cruise. (He’s also the author of the cookbooks Vegan Cooking for Carnivores and Roberto’s New Vegan Cooking.) eLOVate Vegan Kitchen & Juicery, 1705 Ocean Ave., Ste. 111, Santa Monica, CA 90401, 424-272-8700.
 
Rose Café-Restaurant Restaurateur Bill Chait has revived The Rose Café in Venice, now called Rose Café-Restaurant. Partner and executive chef Jason Neroni directs the culinary team for breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings. Rose Café-Restaurant, 220 Rose Ave., Venice, CA 90291, 310-399-0711.
 
Rori’s Artisanal Creamery has opened in Santa Monica Organic ice cream shop Rori's Artisanal Creamery has opened on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. Rori's Artisanal Creamery, 910 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90403, no phone.
 
Manhattan Beach's Little Sister has opened a location in downtown Los Angeles. Little Sister, 523 W. Seventh St., Los Angeles, CA 90014, 213-628-3146.
 
Starry Kitchen’s Nguyen and Thi Tran paired up with co-owners Jordan Weiss and Gabriel Fowlkes to open Button Mash in Echo Park. Besides offering a motherlode of vintage arcade games, pinball machines and craft beers, the Tran’s menu features SK favorites including crispy tofu balls, garlic noodles and tamarind-chile chicken wings. Also, expect new items such as a Coca-Cola-braised jackfruit sandwich with mozzarella on a roll, and vegan specialties. Button Mash, 1391 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026, 213-250-9903.
 
Trois Familia in Silver Lake is the latest collaboration from Ludo Lefebvre, Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo (Trois Mec, Petit Trois). This French-Mexican restaurant serves brunch every day. Trois Familia, 3510 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026, 323-725-7800.
 
L.A. restaurateurs Josh Loeb and Zoe Nathan (Rustic Canyon Wine Bar & Seasonal Kitchen, Huckleberry Café & Bakery, Milo & Olive) have opened a Studio City location of Sweet Rose Creamery. Expect classic ice cream flavors such as chocolate and salted caramel, along with seasonal options like double chestnut. Sweet Rose Creamery, 4377 Tujunga Ave., Studio City, CA 91604, 310-260-2663.
 
Eagle Rock denizens can now peel and eat shrimp and crawfish by the pound at Crawfish on Fire. Also find Cajun offerings like of fried catfish, fried oysters, crab legs, sausages and hot wings. To drink, there are domestic and imported beers. Crawfish on Fire, 4411 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90041, 323-675-1050.
 
In Hollywood, chef/owner Kwang Uh (previously of Daniel, Nobu and Noma), has opened Baroo, a "freestyle experimental kitchen" in a strip mall on Santa Monica Boulevard. Inspired by Buddhist monks (among other things), the menu features dishes like pork belly tortilla flambé made with 48-hour pork belly, Gochujang sauce and lemon verbena kombucha dressing; mixed grains with farro grains, roasted beet cream, finger lime, and rose onion pickle; celeriac pasta; and passionfruit tart with elderflower meringue. To drink, there’s house-fermented kombucha and cold-brewed Bicycle coffee. Baroo, 5706 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038, 323-819-4344.
 
Fast-casual restaurant concept Yalla Mediterranean has brought a new location to the Burbank Empire Center. The restaurant’s Mediterranean cuisine (spanning Greece, Morocco, Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, Tunisia and Egypt) utilizes locally sourced produce, hormone-free and responsibly raised meats, and wild-caught fish. Yalla Mediterranean, Burbank Empire Center, 1781 N. Victory Pl., Burbank, CA 91502, 818-565-0426.
 
Estrella has opened on the Sunset Strip Estrella on the Sunset Strip features globally influenced California cuisine from executive chef Dakota Weiss ("Top Chef"). The restaurant, which is named after the "circus girl" mentioned in the Joni Mitchell song "Ladies of the Canyon," has a bohemian vibe. Estrella, 8800 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069, 310-652-6613.
 
Portland's Blue Star Donuts has opened in Venice. Varieties include dulce de leche hazelnut, passion fruit cocoa nib and blueberry bourbon basil. Vegan options are also available. Blue Star Donuts, 1142 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291, no phone.
 
Blind Weasel has taken over the original location of Umami Burger. The menu offers a variety of "bar snacks" (Hawaiian hot wings, deviled eggs), flatbreads, burgers and pastas. Blind Weasel, 850 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036, 323-549-9488.
 
The Good Greek Grill has taken the place of defunct Juicy Burger on Vermont Avenue, next to the Los Feliz Cinema. This little storefront is a brick-and-mortar extension of the Good Greek Grub truck, so look for souvlaki, gyros, Greek salads, homemade dolma and spicy feta fries. Good Greek Grill, 1820 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027, 323-326-7228.
 
Mixologist Julian Cox spearheads The Fiscal Agent, a new lounge in Studio City Mixologist Julian Cox spearheads the new lounge situated above Barrel & Ashes (where he also did the cocktail list) named The Fiscal Agent. Executive chef Michael Kahikina created the bar menu to accompany Cox’s gourmet libations. Dinner Wed.-Sat. The Fiscal Agent, 11801 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604, 818-623-8088.
 
Sushi Roku’s Hollywood location closed in October to make way for a new IDG flagship restaurant, ROKU, featuring fresh Japanese creations utilizing a test kitchen and a room for teppanyaki cooking. Lee Maen, partner/founder of Innovative Dining Group, states, “ROKU will blend some of the core sensibilities from Sushi Roku Hollywood with our evolving signature style, in order to offer something new and cutting edge for today’s discerning guest.” ROKU, 9201 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069, 310-278-2060.
 
Piccolo Venice chef Bobo Ivan is back in the old Piccolo space, now renamed Bobo. The contemporary Italian menu features sea scallops capesante with sunchoke-Parmesan fondue; lamb carpaccio with celery, piave shavings and truffle oil; homemade ricotta-turmeric cavatelli with braised goat ragú and aromatic herbs; and lamb chops with rhubarb-port wine reduction and saffron risotto. There’s a a six-course tasting menu for $75 per person, and a 10-course miniature tasting for $90 per person. Dinner nightly. Bobo, 5 Dudley Ave., Venice, CA 90291, 310-314-3222.
 
Chef Chris Oh (Seoul Sausage Co.) and restaurateur Stéphane Bombet (Terrine, Faith & Flower) will open Hanjip, a modern Korean BBQ restaurant, in Culver City. Hanjip, 3829 Main St., Culver City, CA 90232, 323-720-8804.
 
Clifton’s has re-opened in downtown Los Angeles Entrepreneur Andrew Meieran (The Edison) has resurrected Clifton's Cafeteria in downtown Los Angeles. Clifton's, 648 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014, 213-627-1673.
 
Maia is now open in the former Mirabelle space on the Sunset Strip, and features a lush, twinkling patio, as well as a sleek inside dining room and a lounge with post-dinner DJs. Expect oysters, a lobster quesadilla, ceviche and poke to start; larger plates include smoked chicken with chipotle cream, Alaskan halibut with squash blossoms, and filet mignon with a yuzu-sake glaze. There’s also a sushi and sashimi menu with specialty hand rolls, and handcrafted cocktails and “sangria kits” that come with fruits, wine and purées on a tray. Dinner Mon.-Sat. Maia, 8768 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069, 310-360-0366.
 

NEWS BYTES

Visit Lyon in November at Kendall’s Brasserie with Special $29 Prix-Fixe
In downtown L.A., Kendall’s Brasserie & Bar's finale iteration of its themed “Passport to France” dinner series concludes the journey in Lyon, France, as executive chef Jean-Pierre Bosc shares his love for his heritage through traditional Lyonnaise dishes. Items will include classic salade frisée Lyonnaise, and chicken demi-deuil --- half of a Shelton Farm natural chicken, served with truffles under the skin, alongside broth-poached vegetables. The $29 three-course dinner will begin with an aperitif, followed by a selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts options. A Beaujolais Village can be poured by the carafe ($22) or bottle ($30). This promotion is available November 4-29, 2015. Kendall's Brasserie, Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012, 213-972-7322.
 
Florida Stone Crab Season at Water Grill
It’s Florida stone crab season and Water Grill has received its first delivery. The chilled claws, available in large or jumbo sizes, are served with mustard sauce. This dish is the epitome of sustainable seafood since fishermen only harvest the claws, which the crabs can regenerate within a year. Water Grill, 544 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90071, 213-891-0900.
 
Josiah Citrin to Open Hot Dog Stand at Staples Center
Chef Josiah Citrin (Mélisse) is opening an outpost of Dave's Doghouse at Staples Center. (The owner of the Arizona-based hot dog stand is Dave Cheren, who is Citrin's cousin.) In the meantime, visitors to the arena can sample Dave's Doghouse hot dogs at DraftKings Fantasy Sports Bar & Lounge. Dave's Doghouse, Staples Center, 1111 S Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015, no phone.
 
Aestus Launches Happy Hour
Santa Monica's aestus is debuting a happy hour featuring $7 specialty craft cocktails like the Bee’s Knees (gin, lemon, honey) from bar director Marissa Grasmick, $6 wines by the glass selected by owner/wine director Kevin O'Connor, $6 well drinks, $4 draft beer and $5 upscale snacks (house-made burrata served on grilled bread with heirloom tomatoes). Offerings are available from 4 p.m.-7 pm, Tuesday through Friday at the bar. aestus, 507 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401, 424-268-4433.
 
Terrine has expanded its hours to include weekday lunch Terrine Expands Lunch Service to Weekdays
Terrine has expanded its hours to include weekday lunch from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Along with classic French dishes such as croque monsieur, beef tartare and quiche du jour, there are new menu items, including a French dip sandwich and smoked chicken breast with butter lettuce, avocado, herb crème fraîche, radish and crunchy shallots. Terrine, 8265 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, 323-746-5130.
 
TKO Bat Cookies from Bouchon Bakery Festive Treats at Bouchon Bakery
Chef Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bakery is offering a number of fun, Halloween-inspired treats, including TKO (Thomas Keller Oreo) bat cookies, pumpkin cupcakes, cranberry macarons and more. They will be available from October 17th through October 31st. Bouchon Bakery, Garden Building, 235 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210, 310-271-9910.
 
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Promotion at Mr. C
The Restaurant at Mr. C will celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a pink-inspired food and drink promotion. During the entire month of October, any time a guest purchases a glass of Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé Champagne ($22), a cup of Tealeaves mountain berry hot tea ($5.95) or a slice of the PINK signature Cipriani banilla meringue cake ($12.95), the hotel will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, an organization dedicated to achieving a future without breast cancer. Mr. C., Mr. C Hotel, 1224 Beverwil Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90035, 310-226-6245.
 
Wally's Launches New Truffle Market
Wally’s Beverly Hills has launched its new truffle market, and will carry the largest selection of truffles in Los Angeles, as well as gourmet products made with truffles from around the world. Additionally, executive chef David Féau will incorporate seasonal truffles into his new signature truffle dishes --- foie gras with truffle torchon, soft scrambled eggs with truffles, and truffle risotto --- or on the menu items of guests’ choosing. Wally's Beverly Hills, 447 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210, 310-475-3540.
 

CHEF SHUFFLE

Jason Fullilove is no longer the executive chef at Clifton's in downtown Los Angeles. A new chef will be announced soon. Clifton's, 648 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014, 213-627-1673.
 
Chef Mirko Paderno will be chef de cuisine to Angelo Auriana at Officine Brera in downtown Los Angeles. Both chefs previously worked at Valentino in Santa Monica. Officine Brera, 1330 E. Sixth St., Los Angeles, CA 90021, No phone.
 

CLOSINGS

Hollywood seafood restaurant littlefork will close November 1, 2015, to make way for Nashville-themed Howlin’ Ray’s Hot Chicken, which will feature a whisky-centric cocktail menu. littlefork, 1600 Wilcox Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028, 323-465-3675.
 
LIVELLO at L'Ermitage Beverly Hills has shuttered. The restaurant will be replaced by Avec Nous, a French bistro helmed by chef Olivier Quignon (former executive chef of Bar Boulud in New York). LIVELLO, L'Ermitage Beverly Hills, 9291 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, no phone.
 
Saint Martha is closed. Saint Martha, 740 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90005, 213-387-2300.
 
Gourmet foods shop Epicure Imports announced via e-mail that it's "currently closed for business and all scheduled open warehouse sales have been canceled." Epicure Imports, 6900 Beck Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91605, 818-985-9800.
 
The West Third Street location of Sushi Roku, from Innovative Dining Group (IDG), had its last night of service on October 17, 2015. Sushi Roku also has outposts in Santa Monica, Pasadena, Newport Beach, Las Vegas and Scottsdale. Stay tuned for IDG's forthcoming new concept, ROKU. Sushi Roku, 8445 W. Third St., Los Angeles, CA 90048, no phone.
 
Alma has closed Alma had its final night of dinner service on October 24, 2015. Chef Ari Taymor was one of GAYOT's 2014 Top 5 Rising Chefs in the U.S. Alma, 952 S. Broadway Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90015, no phone.
 
Chef-owner Salvatore Marino will close his Italian restaurant Il Grano Chef-owner Salvatore Marino will close his Italian restaurant Il Grano in December 2015. Il Grano, 11359 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025, 310-477-7886.
 

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