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New Restaurants

New Nightspots

Coming Soon

BLT Steak

Named not for the sandwich, but for "Bistro Laurent Tourondel," this well-respected NYC beef house will start grilling in the West Hollywood space that was for many years home to Le Dome (8720 Sunset Blvd.), in the midst of the trendiest segment of the Sunset Strip, this summer. Whether or not Tourondel will follow with branches of BLT Prime and BLT Fish remains to be seen.

Hadaka Sushi

"Hadaka" is Japanese for "naked," and though we doubt that the chefs and servers at what's described as an "erotic sushi bar" with "sushi gone naughty" will be as undressed as the ahi, this place is definitely trying for a suggestive vibe with appetizers referred to as "Foreplay" and dessert as "Climax"; expect a highly publicized opening in the spring (8226 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood).

Kumo

Opening in March in the space that was last home to Citrine (8360 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles) is this latest Japanese from former CAA über-chief Michael Ovitz, who also owns Hamasaku; this one should push the culinary edge even more, and will feature an extensive list of cold sakes.

One Sunset

This branch of New York's stylish One – a Meatpacking District hot spot – is scheduled to put up its velvet rope this spring in the WeHo space last occupied by Barfly (8730 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood), where it will feature a New American menu by chef Chris Ennis (ex Vibrato); expect Paris, Lindsay and Britney to be first through the door.

Saluzzi Ristorante di Italia

Chef Michael Saluzzi moves from Kansas City to a space across from the Trump National Golf Club (31206 Palos Verdes Dr. W., Rancho Palos Verdes) in March, offering the same highly acclaimed Italian cuisine that made him a star in the Midwest.

Good Deals and Other News

Clementine

On February 9th, this sandwich specialist will close its Hammer Museum outlet in Westwood.

Du-par's

After closing for more than a year for renovation, the Farmer's Market branch of this venerable (since 1938) American mini-chain recently reopened, serving the same addictive breakfasts of pancakes and French toast 24 hours a day.

Lasher's

Ray Lasher has opened a second branch of his pop Long Beach American in an office building across from the Burbank City Hall (250 E. Olive St., Burbank; 818-843-8800), in this case with a full bar for locals in need of a proper martini before sitting down to a meal of fried green tomatoes and cranberry-glazed meatloaf.

Michael's

Though it's easy to overlook in the foodie rush to get to the Place of the Moment, Michael McCarty's nearly venerable original is still alive and well, with one of the most elegant patios in town, and a new chef, Douglas Silberberg, from Water Grill, who's doing creative hops and skips with regional American ingredients like stone-ground white corn grits, Maine Diver scallops and maple syrup aged in bourbon barrels.

Napa Valley Grille

Anne Conness has left this Westwood Californian, to be replaced by Joseph Gillard (ex Nick & Stef's), who's giving the wine-intensive menu a twist of his own with dishes like a grilled cheese and lobster sandwich, and Duroc pork with bacon-flavored faro.

Oceanfront

This well-respected beachfront Californian is in the process of a makeover, opening next month as Catch, with current chef Michael Reardon remaining in the kitchen; for those in need of a meal with a view of the ocean, the adjacent Veranda is open for dining.

Tengu

This Westwood sushi restaurant and lounge has opened a branch at 1541 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica (310-587-2222), in the space formerly occupied by Ivy at the Shore, which moved to a larger space next door. Its laid-back setting feels radically different from the original, as it's dominated by glass and a fine view of the Santa Monica Pier across the street; running the sushi bar is chef Shunji Nakao (ex Matsuhisa and The Hump).

• Blacksteel
• Hamburger Hamlet (Hollywood branch only)
• Hard Rock Cafe (Beverly Center branch only)