New Restaurants
New Nightspots
Coming Soon
Auberge at Ojai
The space that used to be L'Auberge (314 El Paseo Rd., Ojai) has been taken over by chef Christian Shaffer (Avenue in Manhattan Beach) and his business partner, TV producer John Langley (Cops), who are remodeling it into this Modern French newcomer, due to open in late January.
eat at the desert
This stylish New American set to open in a high-profile setting – the newly renovated, mid-century moderne Hotel Zoso in the center of Palm Springs (150 S. Indian Canyon Dr.) – is the latest restaurant from Joachim Splichal's Patina Group.
Gordon Ramsay
The bad-boy chef is planning a pair of new hotel restaurants, one in the soon-to-be-remodeled Rihga Royal in New York (to be renamed the London NYC), the other in the soon-to-be-remodeled Wyndham Bel Age in West Hollywood (to be renamed the London LA, though it should actually be the London WeHo). Expect chef Ramsay to be throwing pots and pans at his West Coast staff by spring 2007.
La Huasteca
This newcomer will soon offer "gourmet" Mexican cuisine (swordfish with pineapple-jalapeño salsa, for example) in an upscale setting in the heart of Old Pasadena (49 N. Fair Oaks Ave.). The owners also operate the original, more modest La Huasteca, a popular destination for seafood and grilled meat dishes in the South Central community of Lynwood.
Saketini
As its name suggests, this minimalist Japanese will be built around a large selection of high-end sakes, served with the sort of small dishes popular at a Japanese izakaya or pub. A location adjacent to Mr. Chow' s (340 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills) should guarantee a constant supply of celebs – and the paparazzi who follow them.
Spitz
The latest eatery to turn sleepy Eagle Rock into one of LA's most eclectic dining destinations is this Middle Easterner (2506 Colorado Blvd.) that will serve not just kebabs and falafel, but also 32 flavors of gelato; the spits are supposed to be sizzling by late January.
Stonehill Tavern
After opening a string of high-end eateries in Las Vegas, Michael Mina replaces his own Aqua with this concept offering New American dishes in a "contemporary tavern" setting designed by Tony Chi (St. Regis Monarch Beach, 1 Monarch Beach Resort Dr., Monarch Beach). Prime short ribs with truffles and salt-baked Maine lobster with fennel chowder will be among the menu offerings. Expect the doors to open in February.
Good Deals and Other News
This much revered bakery and cafe is now offering high tea every Thursday from 3 to 5 PM – a fine break for the legions of legalistas in the Century City towers across the street. The $18.95 price includes currant scones with lemon curd and clotted cream, highly civilized tea sandwiches filled with chef Annie Miller's popular egg and chicken salads, sundry pastries and, of course, a wide selection of loose-leaf teas.
The newest branch of this steakhouse chain has opened at the intersection of Topanga Canyon and Victory boulevards, directly next to Roy's (6373 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills, 818-346-1005).
On Wednesdays from 5:30–10:30 PM, chef Sal Marino dishes up bollito misto – boiled meats (beef, pork, lamb) and vegetables served from a rolling cart with dipping sauces. The four-course prix fixe meal ($49) also includes stuzzichini (sundry salumi), housemade tortellini in broth and a dessert of roasted chestnuts and pastries. In addition, those ordering the bollito misto can take 20 percent off the wine list.
Thursday is "Bouillabaisse Night" at this Orange County outpost of the Pinot chain, with chef Florent Marneau offering a fish stew – croutons and rouille included – that changes from week to week depending on market availability ($27–$45).
Chef Jared Simons has introduced a string of new specials. The three-course $25 Sunday-night dinner (served instead of the regular menu) offers a changing selection of dishes that may include the likes of caramelized polenta cake with pickled beets and roasted Jidori chicken with Parmesan potato puree. On Tuesdays through Thursdays, those who show up before 7 PM can indulge in the "7 Before 7" menu – a choice of seven small dishes costing $7 each, complemented by $7 glasses of wine. And during the winter months, the chef is offering complimentary fresh-baked cookies with milk at the end of meals.