With fall almost here, it's time to look forward to the new restaurants soon to hit town:
Eva: With Hatfield's moving into the Melrose Avenue space that was once home to Citrus, chef Mark Gold (formerly Cafe Pinot and Leatherby’s Cafe Rouge) is taking over its former digs. Expect market-driven Californian cuisine, plus a menu-less Sunday "Dinner Party" – a family-style meal of dishes made from whatever is fresh at the farmer's markets (late fall; 7458 Beverly Blvd.). [Update: We hear that Eva's gotten its approvals early, and will be launching sometime next week.]
Glass and Mirrors: It's been at least a year since we reported that Mark Peel (Campanile) had taken over the La Brea and Melrose space last occupied by Oasis. And it seems as if Peel's casual New American–Mediterranean is back on track, with an opening possible by the end of the year – perhaps pushed along by the success of ex-wife Nancy Silverton's Mozza. There's nothing like a little competition to keep things interesting (611 N. La Brea Ave.).
Lazy Ox: Restaurateur Michael Cardenas (aka "Sushi Mike," ex Sushi Roku, Katana and Boa) and chef Josef Centeno (ex Opus and Meson G) combine to create the latest in a long line of Downtown Eclectics in a Little Tokyo condo complex (late fall; Sakura Crossing, San Pedro and Second Sts).
Noodles Are Good: Though there are rumors that Sang Yoon will be opening another Father's Office Downtown, his next world to conquer will apparently be noodles-of-many-nations in Helm’s Bakery, adjacent to the FO in Culver City (due to open by the end of the year; 3229 Helms Ave., Culver City).
The Oaks Gourmet: The space that for decades has been home to Victor's Liquor & Delicatessen (a major source of upscale takeout and alcohol for the industry denizens of Bronson Canyon and the Hollywood Hills) is being taken over by restaurateur Greg Morris (The Spanish Kitchen), who's added seating both inside and out, along with a menu by chef Greg Paul (early October; 1915 N. Bronson Ave., Hollywood).
The Olive on Sunset: Greg Morris is also behind this Italian bistro, which will take over the BOA Steakhouse in the Grafton Hotel after it moves a couple blocks west in a few weeks (early October; The Grafton Hotel, 8462 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood).
Rockwell: This multistory restaurant and lounge is being positioned as a destination for artisanal beers and casual bar food (exotic burgers, flatbread pizza) for those in need of an after-hours hang on the East Side (late September; 1714 N. Vermont Ave.).
Suzpree: Suzanne Tracht and Preech Narkthong's Asian fusioner is due to open down the street from JAR by late fall (7771 Beverly Blvd.).
3rd + Spring Artisan Market: This year-round
market began its roll out this summer with the opening of Blue Cupcake
and Lot 44 Coffee, and joining them later this year are a French
bakery, a tea company, a fish vendor and others (www.3rdandspring.com).
– Merrill Shindler