Los Angeles : ZagatWire Archive

ZagatWire: January 2006

BuzzEditor — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:24:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
Bodega DeCórdova	361 S. Fairfax Ave.	Los Angeles	323-951-1969
Breadbar	8718 W. Third St.	West Hollywood	310-205-0124
Chabuya Tokyo Noodle Bar	2002 Sawtelle Blvd.	West LA	310-473-1013
Colors on Bedford	369 N. Bedford Dr.	Beverly Hills	310-205-0171
Indochine Vien	3110 Glendale Blvd.	Los Angeles	323-667-9591
La Botte	620 Santa Monica Blvd.	Santa Monica	310-576-3072
SoHo Thai Fusion Bar & Grill	2104 PCH	Lomita	310-530-7627

New Nightspots

Name	Address	City	Phone
Bodega DeCórdova	361 S. Fairfax Ave.	Los Angeles	323-951-1969
Cha Cha Lounge	2375 Glendale Blvd.	Los Angeles	323-660-7595

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

Clementine

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.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

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).

Il Grano

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.

Pinot Provence

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).

Violet

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.

Aqua
Chloe
Rocca

ZagatWire: February 2006

BuzzEditor — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:23:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
BBC Cafe	8620 Wilshire Blvd.	Beverly Hills	310-855-0055
Bite	30 Washington Blvd.	Marina del Rey	310-305-4010
Citizen Smith	1602 N. Cahuenga Blvd.	Hollywood	323-461-5001
eat. on sunset	1448 N. Gower Ave.	Hollywood	323-461-8800
EZO Sushi	8917 W. Sunset Blvd.	West Hollywood	310-652-2025
French 75	3400 W. Olive Ave.	Burbank	818-955-5100
La Maschera Ristorante	82 N. Fair Oaks Ave.	Pasadena	626-304-0004
Magnolia	6266½ Sunset Blvd.	Hollywood	323-467-0660
Memphis	6541 Hollywood Blvd.	Hollywood	323-465-8600
Petros	451 Manhattan Beach Blvd.	Manhattan Beach	310-545-4100
Red Corner Asia	5267 Hollywood Blvd.	Hollywood	323-466-6722
Sona's	16240 Ventura Blvd.	Encino	818-528-7755

New Nightspots

Name	Address	City	Phone
Holly's	1651 Wilcox Ave.	Hollywood	323-962-7712
L'Scorpion	6679 Hollywood Blvd.	Hollywood	323-464-3026

Coming Soon

La Cantina

The latest in an increasing number of hyper-trendy late-night destinations in (finally!) born-again Hollywood, this "easy Mexican" (6301 Hollywood Blvd.) with a sprawling outdoor patio will serve until four in the morning; scheduled to open in late February.

Ummba Grill

Situated between the new multiplex and the new food court in Century City's Westfield Shoppingtown mall (10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City, 310-277-3898), this Brazilian churrascaria should satisfy whatever needs shoppers have for protein, with a sizable salad bar for those looking to try on designer jeans, and lots of meat for those happy to throw caution to the wind; scheduled to open in late spring.

Wilson's

With edgy design by architects from Studio Pali Fekete, and equally edgy food from chef-owner Michael Wilson (formerly of 5 Dudley), this Eclectic adds to the fast-growing Culver City restaurant community (8609 Washington Blvd., Culver City) with a menu of venison strudel, sweetbreads flavored with curry and lobster wrapped in pear; scheduled to open in late March.

Good Deals and Other News

Bastide

Has closed for remodeling. It will reopen in late spring with a new name, a New American menu and a more casual look; chef Ludovic Lefebvre will continue to run the kitchen.

Cucina Paradiso

It's "Dinner and a Movie" on alternate Thursday nights (February 9th and 23rd) at this Palms Italian, with a three-course "chef's choice" meal served for $35 per person (which includes two glasses of Niebaum-Coppola wines), matched with showings of films by Francis Ford Coppola and his daughter, Sofia Coppola; movies begin at 8 PM sharp.

Food Court at Westfield Shoppingtown in Century City

Only in Los Angeles would a new food court be the talk of the town, but ever since the food court at this upscale shopping center moved from the north end of the complex to a second-floor location on the south end, it's been all the rage thanks to its glass box design and seemingly limitless choices. Dining options include Japanese eateries like Mr. Hana and Seiki-Shi Sushi, a casual branch of Brentwood's Coral Tree Café (called Coral Tree Express), a Korean BBQ and Asian noodle eatery called Sorabol, Gulen's Mediterranean for kebabs and the Red Rock Chili Co. for, well, chili (10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City, www.westfield.com/centurycity/).

Ocean & Vine

Leading the return of fondue to SoCal, this Loew's Hotel New American is offering "Fondue Fridays," with classic cheese fondue served every Friday from 6:30–9:30 PM for $20 per person.

French 75

A bigger, more upscale branch of Orange County's romantic French fallback has opened in Burbank's Pinnacle entertainment complex (3400 W. Olive Ave., 818-955-5100); the sprawling, Toulouse-Lautrec–inspired space features a sizable bar/lounge and a menu of bistro classics.

Water Grill

This special-occasion Downtown seafooder now offers a $40 four-course dessert menu by pastry chef Koa Duncan, constructed to progress from "light and fruity to rich and intense"; though desserts change with regularity, expect dishes like her ruby grapefruit Napoleon, kabocha squash flan, warm equatorial chocolate cake and sea-salted pepita brittle.

Nonya
Ozumo (Orange County)
Paladar
Rockenwagner

ZagatWire: April 2006

BuzzEditor — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:22:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
3rd Stop	8636 W. Third St.	West Hollywood	310-273-3605
Ackee Bamboo	4305 Degnan Blvd.	Leimert Park	323-295-7275
Aphrodisiac	10351 Santa Monica Blvd.	Century City	310-282-8870
Emle's	9250 Reseda Blvd.	Northridge	818-772-2203
Izayoi	132 S. Central Ave.	Los Angeles	213-613-9554
Mia Sushi	4741 Eagle Rock Blvd.	Los Angeles	323-256-2562
Republic	650 N. La Cienega Blvd.	West Hollywood	310-360-7070
S Vietnamese Fine Dining	545 Westminster Mall Dr.	Westminster	714-898-5092

New Nightspots

Name	Address	City	Phone
Air Conditioned	2819 Pico Blvd.	Santa Monica	310-829-3700

Coming Soon

BLD

Chef Neal Fraser (Grace) is heading several blocks west to open this casual New American in the space that last held Cafe Capo (7450 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles). Its name is an acronym for breakfast, lunch and dinner, all meals it will serve when it opens by summer.

Sea

The less than chic Toppers Mexican Restaurant on the 18th floor of the Huntley Santa Monica Beach Hotel (1111 Second St.) is being turned into this stylish Cal-Asian, with cutting-edge design by the ubiquitous Thomas Schoos (Citizen Smith, Wilshire) and food by Rodelio Aglibot (formerly of Yi Cuisine); due to open by late summer.

Simon LA

As announced last year, chef Kerry Simon (Simon Kitchen & Bar at the Las Vegas Hard Rock) is coming to the Sofitel Los Angeles Hotel (8555 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood) next month as part of the French-run chain's $35 million renovation; his casually elegant New American will offer many of the dishes that have made his LV eatery a popular destination, including sea bass with quinoa and currants, and roasted young beets with Laura Chenel goat cheese. Small irony: the Hard Rock Cafe is directly across the street in the Beverly Center.

Social Hollywood

New York restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow now expects this modern Eclectic in the landmark Hollywood Athletic Club (6525 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood) to open in early May; in the kitchen will be Joe Ojeda (ex Asia de Cuba), with pastries by Sam Christopher (ex Norman's). There will also be a screening room and the inevitable VIP party space.

Tender Greens

The Downtown Culver City restaurant scene continues to thrive. This summer, chefs Erik Oberholtzer (formerly of Shutters on the Beach) and Matt Lyman (formerly of Hotel Casa Del Mar) are teaming with Scarborough Farms of Oxnard to create this veggie-intensive newcomer (9523 Culver Blvd.) with a menu built around organic produce, fish and poultry. Also slated for summer openings in Culver City: Ugo Italian Cafe (3865 Cardiff Ave.) and Wilson, a small-plates restaurant and wine bar from chef Michael Wilson (formerly of 5 Dudley) residing in the MODAA Lofts development (8631 Washington Blvd.).

Good Deals and Other News

Belvedere at the Peninsula Beverly Hills

The Club Bar adjacent to Belvedere now features live jazz Thursdays through Saturdays (8 PM–close), along with a bar menu of dishes prepared in their shared kitchen, including what some are calling the best hamburger in town.

Fogo de Chão

A Brazilian churrascaria may seem like an odd place to go for salad, but the local branch of this all-you-can-eat meat chain offers a salad bar with more than 30 dishes, which can be had for half the price of the full meal ($25 for the salad bar alone, $50 for the salad bar plus unlimited meat). And with a selection that includes smoked salmon, prosciutto, salami, mozzarella, hearts of palm, marinated mushrooms, roasted peppers and jumbo asparagus, the question of where's the beef may be moot.

JAR

Chef Suzanne Tracht is offering a new à la carte Sunday brunch menu (10 AM–2 PM); dishes include chilaquiles with shredded roast pork, scrambled eggs with Spanish chorizo and chives, lobster Benedict with char sui pork and pea tendrils and a grilled Gruyère sandwich with homemade pickles.

Opus Bar & Grill

This Californian in the same building as the venerable Wiltern Theatre has a new chef in Jacob Ramos (formerly of Patina), who's brought along Luis Perez, his dessert chef from Patina; expect new dishes like braised short ribs flavored with chipotle chiles, and foie gras with persimmon chips.

Sona

Chef David Myers has jumped on the eccentric ice cream bandwagon, with flavors such as shiso, white beer, mustard, fennel and parsnip accompanying first courses like foie gras, shrimp and lobster – and we always thought pistachio was as wild as it got.

Typhoon

You know you've made it when Hollywood asks you to cook insects! Head chef Suphaptra "Eid" Kortrakul recently worked as a technical consultant for an episode of CSI: New York, in which a dead woman's final steps are traced to an exotic cuisine event where the main course included live centipedes, Brazilian cockroaches, live octopus and fried tarantulas. Chef Eid serves insects – grasshoppers, ants, sea worms – as part of his regular menu at Typhoon.

Zip Fusion

This Korean-run sushi spot has a new branch in the Crossings at Corona Mall (2560 Tuscany St., Corona; 951-272-2177), where it's bringing the gospel of sushi rolls strange and stranger to the hungry denizens of the Inland Empire.

Cafe Veneto

ZagatWire: March 2006

BuzzEditor — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:22:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
25 Degrees	7000 Hollywood Blvd.	Hollywood	323-785-7244
Benley Vietnamese Kitchen	8191 E. Wardlow Rd.	Long Beach	562-596-8130
Bistro de la Gare	921 Meridian Ave. South	Pasadena	626-799-8828
Cafe Surfas	8777 W. Washington Blvd.	Culver City	310-558-1458
Camden House	430 N. Camden Dr.	Beverly Hills	310-285-9848
Cavi Cucina Italiana	23754 Lyons Ave.	Newhall	661-254-2475
Ford's Filling Station	9531 Culver Blvd.	Culver City	310-202-1470
Stonehill Tavern	1 Monarch Beach Resort	Dana Point	949-234-3318
Yuzu	1231 Cabrillo Ave.	Torrance	310-533-9898

New Nightspots

Name	Address	City	Phone
aqualounge	424 N. Beverly Dr.	Beverly Hills	310-275-8511
Guy's North	12655 Ventura Blvd., 2nd fl.	Los Angeles	818-980-1399
Saints & Sinners	10899 Venice Blvd.	Culver City	310-842-8066

Coming Soon

Prana Café

As you'd expect from a restaurant with a name that means "life force," this easygoing West Hollywood eatery (650 N. La Cienega Blvd.) will lean toward the healthy, organic side of things with Eclectic breakfast and lunch fare that wanders from Cal-Asian to New American. It's slated to open in early spring adjacent to Republic, its soon-to-open sibling.

Three on 4th

Though it sounds like a variation on the old Abbott and Costello "who's on first" routine, the name of this Santa Monica restaurant actually refers to the three kinds of drinks it will serve (sake, wine and beer) and its location (at 1432 4th St., a block away from the Promenade). Complementing the liquid refreshment will be an Eclectic menu that stretches from America to Asia, with stops throughout Europe. Expect an opening in mid-spring.

Wolfgang Puck Steakhouse

More than two years after the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group took over the dining room at the Four Seasons Regent Beverly Wilshire (9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-275-5200), the long-awaited steakhouse, designed by Richard Meier (Getty Center), is finally set to open on July 1st – a year later than originally planned. And the restaurant still doesn't have a name, though as the hotel notes, "Everyone calls it the Wolfgang Puck Steakhouse."

Good Deals and Other News

Ciudad

This Downtown Nuevo Latino foodie magnet is offering a series of musically themed dinners, beginning March 16th with "Tango: An Argentinean Feast," followed by "Samba: A Brazilian Celebration" on June 22nd, "Mambo: A Night in Havana" on September 14th and "Flamenco: The Passion of Spain" on December 7th; each three-course dinner is paired with wines and live music (5–10 PM; $85 or $300 for the whole series; 213-486-5171).

Drago

Beginning March 21st, chef-owner Celestino Drago will offer a season-long celebration of the cooking of Italian mothers called "La Cucina de le Madri" ("Mother's Kitchen") featuring the recipes of five Sicilian mamas who have relocated to Southern California – including Mama Drago, who'll kick off the festival; though the menus will change from mother to mother and from night to night, the cost is $50 per person for a dinner ranging from five to seven courses.

Grace

Congratulations to chef-owner Neal Fraser, who roundly defeated Iron Chef Cat Cora with a pig-o-centric menu (grilled pork chops with hominy polenta and pancetta, pork belly with sweet-and-sour cabbage and cherry sauce, etc.) to become LA's first champion on Iron Chef America.

The Hungry Cat

Chef David Lentz is now serving lunch from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Tuesday through Friday, at his quirky seafooder in the heart of Hollywood; for those in-the-know, the outdoor patio is the destination of choice.

Junior's

This venerable Westwood deli has opened a Manhattan Beach branch called Junior's Deli Boys in the newly opened Metlox Plaza (451 Manhattan Beach Blvd., 310-796-0203), where it serves corned beef and pastrami to the toned and well-tanned of this underfed beach community.

Lincoln

This Santa Monica steakhouse is now hosting a scotch tasting the last Monday of every month (next up: March 27th) presented by master of scotch Rick Edwards, who'll lead imbibers through five well-aged samples, with passed appetizers to match every dram (6–8:30 PM; $65 per person; 310-828-3304).

Mastro's Steakhouse

The newest branch is freshly opened in the OC at 633 Anton Boulevard in Costa Mesa (714-546-7405) – convenient, we should add, to shopping at South Coast Plaza.

P6

The latest wrinkle at this Conejo Valley American is "Tokyo Tuesday," when chef Robert Lia shows off his skill as a master of Japanese cuisine by serving an à la carte dinner selection of sushi, sushi rolls and Japanese seafood dishes that can be complemented by flights of sake.

Roy's

After dazzling locals in Woodland Hills with his cutting-edge Pan-Asian/Hawaiian cooking, Roy Yamaguchi has opened a new branch in burgeoning Downtown (800 South Figueroa St., Los Angeles, 213-488-4994) that's convenient to the Staples Center, the Convention Center and the Disney Concert Hall.

Zankou Chicken

The latest branch of this popular Armenian chicken chain is set to open this month at 1001 North San Fernando Boulevard in Burbank (818-238-0414).

Schwab's
XO Wine Bistro

ZagatWire: June 2006

BuzzEditor — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:21:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
Blossom	426 S. Main St.	Los Angeles	213-623-1973
Cut	9500 Wilshire Blvd.	Beverly Hills	310-276-8500
Enzo & Angela	11701 Wilshire Blvd.	West LA	310-477-3880
Honey	1733 N. Vine St.	Hollywood	323-462-3000
Lucky Devils	6613 Hollywood Blvd.	Hollywood	323-465-8259
Moroccan Room at Social Hollywood	6525 W. Sunset Blvd.	Hollywood	323-462-5222
O-Dae San	2889 W. Olympic Blvd.	Los Angeles	213-383-9800
Quincy's BBQ	17201 Ventura Blvd.	Encino	818-784-6292
SHU	2932½ Beverly Glen Circle	Bel-Air	310-474-2740
SoHo Ju	106 Japanese Village Plaza	Los Angeles	213-621-2288
Tiger Lily	1745 N. Vermont Ave.	Los Angeles	323-661-5900
Trump's	1 Ocean Trails Dr.	Rancho Palos Verdes	310-303-3260

New Nightspots

Name	Address	City	Phone
3rd Stop	8636 W. Third St.	West Hollywood	310-273-3605
626 Reserve	626 S. Spring St.	Los Angeles	213-627-9800
Bodega Wine Bar	814 Broadway	Santa Monica	310-394-3504
Hyde Lounge	8029 W. Sunset Blvd.	West Hollywood	323-656-4933
Shag	1835 N. Cahuenga Blvd.	Hollywood	323-465-4400
sidebar	9500 Wilshire Blvd.	Beverly Hills	310-276-8500
Social Hollywood	6525 W. Sunset Blvd.	Hollywood	323-462-5222

Coming Soon

Charcoal

Mesquite cooking is the specialty of this sibling of Lodge Steakhouse (and Memphis, Geisha House and Dolce), a literally hot spot that will serve its grilled fare in a manly setting of wood and stone when it opens later this month in a Hollywood space (6360 Sunset Blvd.) adjacent to the ArcLight Theatre.

K-Zo

This summer, former Sushi Roku chef Keizo Ishiba will revive the 1980s Franco-Japonaise fusion trend in a Culver City space (9240 Culver Blvd.) next to Trader Joe's.

Red Pearl Kitchen

Tim Goodell has closed Meson G and is planning to reopen the space (6703 Melrose Ave.) in September as an outpost of his Asian concept (with branches in San Diego and the O.C.).

Good Deals and Other News

Café Brasil

This popular Palms District South American has opened a lively new storefront branch about a mile to the west (11736 W. Washington Blvd., West Los Angeles; 310-391-1216), where several big-screen TVs are likely to be tuned to Brazilian soccer; be sure to go on the weekend, when the kitchen churns out a pork feijoada heavy with black beans, rice and collard greens.

Daily Grill

This casual, lower priced spin-off of The Grill on the Alley is offering a daily dinner selection of surf 'n' turf meals prices at $21.95 for filet mignon and shrimp scampi, filet mignon and tempura shrimp, and filet mignon and BBQ shrimp – all served with the house "twice-baked" potato and broccoli.

Jer-ne

Dakota Weiss (formerly of the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota) will replace longtime chef Troy Thompson, who has departed for the soon-to-open David Burke Las Vegas in the Venetian. After he gets things going in Las Vegas, Thompson plans to return to LA to open another Burke-backed outpost.

La Boheme

Beginning June 10th (and continuing on the second Saturday of every month), the Upright LA Cabaret is taking up residence in this Gothic West Hollywood restaurant, which will serve a constantly changing three-course prix fixe meal to go with the 90-minute show, a "tapestry of American song" inspired by Baz Luhrman's Moulin Rouge (8 PM dinner, 10 PM show; $54 per person, includes dinner and the show, or $15 for the show only; 323-848-2360). Meanwhile, chef Christine Banta has introduced a new outdoor patio menu of operatically named dishes like the Bohème burger and the Tosca turkey burger (sadly, no Wagnerian wursts).

Maple Drive

This New American is now under the management of the Patina Group, which means that over the next few months, it will get a Joachim Splichal makeover (the details of which have yet to be announced).

Norman's

The new chef de cuisine at this Sunset Strip "New World" outpost is Mike Bryant, formerly the restaurant's executive sous-chef; he replaces opening chef Craig Petrella.

Providence

Adrian Vasquez is this seafooder's new executive pastry chef, bringing with him experience from restaurants like Aqua and Hawthorne Lane in SF, Ambrosia in Boston and Bin 36 in Chicago. His additions to the dessert menu include a "Flight of Sugar" – four exotic sugars served with fresh fruit for dipping.

Saddle Peak Lodge

After years of being the go-to spot for scenic Sunday sit-down brunch, this Malibu Mountains American is now offering sit-down brunch from 11 AM–3 PM on Saturdays as well. Which means fans of the pulled Kurobuta pork sandwich and the buffalo burger with Gruyère can get their fix all weekend long.

Water Grill

This Downtown seafooder has introduced a new series of martinis inspired by the "Waters of the World," which translates into libations named for "The Nile" (Ketel One with pomegranate juice), "The Sea of Cortez" (Sauza Hornitos tequila with ginger and lime), "The Sea of Japan" (Nigori Sake with yuzu and ginger) and even "The LA River" (Skyy Vodka with olive juice, described as "extra dry, extra dirty"); cost is $15 each.

Kikuchi
Royal Star Seafood
San Gennaro Cafe (Culver City branch)
Solare
Tamarin

ZagatWire: May 2006

BuzzEditor — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:21:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
Alejandro's	4126 Verdugo Rd.	Los Angeles	323-550-1063
Auberge at Ojai	314 El Paseo Rd.	Ojai	805-646-2288
Lou	724 Vine St.	Hollywood	323-962-6369
Röckenwagner Bakery	12835 W. Washington Blvd.	Culver City	310-578-8171
Square One Dining	4854 Fountain Ave.	Hollywood	323-661-1109
Sushi Dokoro Ki Ra La	9777 S. Santa Monica Blvd.	Beverly Hills	310-275-9003
Tart	115 S. Fairfax Ave.	Los Angeles	323-937-3930
Tiara Cafe	127 E. Ninth St.	Los Angeles	213-623-3663

New Nightspots

Name	Address	City	Phone
Bar 21	4108 W. Magnolia Blvd.	Burbank	818-972-3990
Lou	724 N. Vine Ave.	Hollywood	323-962-6369
Republic	650 N. La Cienega Blvd.	West Hollywood	310-360-7070
Safari Sam's	5214 W. Sunset Blvd.	Hollywood	323-666-7267

Coming Soon

Hatfield's

This spin-off of San Francisco's popular Cortez is the latest addition to what's quickly becoming LA's hottest Restaurant Row (7458 Beverly Blvd.), joining high-profile eateries like Grace, Angelini and Buddha's Belly; expect the kitchen to start cooking a Mediterranean–New American mixture by late May.

Spitz

Add one more destination to the increasingly cool dining scene in Eagle Rock when this doner kebab specialist (2506 Colorado Blvd., 323-257-5600) opens in June. A schwarma variation that's a cult dish in England, the doner kebab features lamb, chicken, falafel and the like served in a warm pita and topped with jalapeños, hummus, tzatziki or chile sauce.

The ubiquitous Wolfgang Puck is planning to open a new restaurant early next year in the Pacific Design Center space (8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood) that was last home to Charlie Palmer's Astra Restaurant, to be redesigned by architectural stars Thom Mayne and Cesar Pelli. As a spokesperson observed, "Nothing has worked in there, because no one knew there was a restaurant in the Center. When Puck opens a restaurant, people take notice."

Good Deals and Other News

Avenue

Chef Christian Shaffer and his business partner, TV producer John Langley, are expanding into the wine business. Released at the end of April, the first vintage of their Magpie winery is a Sauvignon Blanc produced exclusively from grapes grown in the region between Ojai and Santa Barbara. In addition to Avenue, it is also carried at the Buffalo Club, Café Pierre and the duo's other restaurant, L'Auberge at Ojai.

Brent's Deli

After years of swearing it would never expand, this North SF Valley institution (long rated the top deli in the LA Survey) has announced it will open an outpost in the restaurant-poor Conejo Valley (2799 Townsgate Rd., Westlake Village) by early summer. Fressers, start your stomachs!

Cafe des Artistes

Chef Jean Pierre Bosc has added some of the most popular dishes from Mimosa, his bistro on Beverly, to the menu at his somewhat-more-casual Cafe des Artistes, which means Hollywoodians willing to toss their diets to the wind can now indulge in cassoulet, bouillabaisse, moules frites and boneless beef short ribs. In a secondary development, the new host at Cafe des Artistes is Ang Saint Jacques (Bistro Garden); Bosc and Saint Jacques last worked together 15 years ago at the long-closed Fennel.

Crustacean

After a decade of feeding garlic noodles and garlic crab to the rich and richer, this stylish Beverly Hills Vietnamese has opened a full catering service offering "everything from food, floral and invitations to entertainment, staging, lighting and decor – no event will be too small or too large." That includes Oscar parties as well.

Dona Rosa

Blair Salisbury (El Cholo, Barn Burner Texas BBQ, Dona Rosa) has opened a second branch of this casual taqueria in the Westfield Shoppingtown (400 S. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia; 626-215-0372), directly next to Santa Anita Racetrack.

French 75

The several branches of this central-casting bistro (Laguna Beach, Irvine, Burbank), along with sister restaurant Rouge (Newport Beach), are now offering a family-style supper on Sunday nights for a bargain $19.95 per person; the menu changes weekly but always includes a choice of soup or salad and an entree like boeuf bourguignon or coq au vin, with a side dish and vegetables to match.

Il Moro

This recently remodeled Westside Italian has instituted a series of Tuesday night wine tastings (with an Italian finger-food buffet). The Veuve Clicquot champagne tasting on May 9th is at a premium of $50 per person. Otherwise, it's $25 for a tasting of the wines of the Piemonte on May 16th; for Rocca delle Macie from Tuscany on May 23rd; and for Santi Wines from Veneto on May 30th.

La Dolce Vita

In more venerable cities, a restaurant hitting the 40-year mark wouldn't raise an eyebrow – but in LA, that's an age worthy of Methuselah. To celebrate, this Sinatra-esque Italian is attempting to bring elegance back to the Beverly Hills dining scene with "To the Nines Tuesdays," when gents are asked to wear a tie and jacket, and women to dress in cocktail attire – a fashion statement for which they'll be thanked with a complimentary glass of champagne.

Le Marmiton

This casual Montana Avenue brasserie has headed west with the opening of Le Marmiton Marina (4724 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey; 310-773-3560), where chef Jean Marc Kiffer is bringing the gospel of simple French cooking – along with a taste for butter and cream – to well-exercised locals, who can stop by for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a Gallic brunch on weekends.

Nic's

Owner Larry Nicola has introduced his VodBox – an "excessively showy walk-in exhibition vodka freezer" that sits dead center in the middle of his dining room like the monolith in 2001: A Space Odyssey, only in this case, there's a vodka sommelier who escorts you in to shiver (it's 10° F inside) while warming you with flights drawn from an encyclopedic collection of spirits.

The Palm

The two local branches of this manly steakhouse now offer a $21.95 weekday business lunch special – soup or salad plus a potato preparation, a vegetable of the day and a choice of tenderloin au poivre, poached salmon, seared ahi, Cajun meatloaf, chicken parmigiana or a dish of the day, followed by Starbucks coffee.

Studio

Chef James Boyce returned from a journey to Japan convinced he should do more with our local abundance of citrus, leading him to create an ongoing series of meals built around Meyer lemons, Murcott tangerines, Key limes and the like; newly introduced dishes include aged soy-marinated flank steak with Meyer lemon caponata, and drinks like strawberry and Meyer lemon-ade.

Joss
Matterhorn Chef

ZagatWire: July 2006

BuzzEditor — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:20:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
BIN 8945	8945 Santa Monica Blvd.	West Hollywood	310-550-8945
Farm Stand	422 Main St.	El Segundo	310-640-3276
Hatfield's	7458 Beverly Blvd.	Los Angeles	323-935-2977
Simon LA	8555 Beverly Blvd.	West Hollywood	310-278-5444
Su Casa	403 Main St.	El Segundo	310-524-9985
Tasca Winebar	8108 W. Third St.	Los Angeles	323-951-9890
Tender Greens	9523 Culver Blvd.	Culver City	310-842-8300
Three on Fourth	1432-A Fourth St.	Santa Monica	310-395-6765
Upstairs 2	2311 Cotner Ave.	West LA	310-231-0316
West	170 N. Church Ln., 17th fl.	Los Angeles	310-476-6411
Wilson	8631 Washington Blvd.	Culver City	310-287-2093

New Nightspots

Name	Address	City	Phone
Katsuya Brentwood	11777 San Vicente Blvd.	Los Angeles	310-207-8744
Stone Rose Lounge	8555 Beverly Blvd.	Beverly Hills	310-228-6677
Sunset Beach	8240 W. Sunset Blvd.	West Hollywood	323-654-8100

Coming Soon

Argent Hotel

Mozza Bar: For those who have been suffering hunger pangs waiting for the opening of this Nancy Silverton–Mario Batali project at the corner of Melrose and Highland avenues, word is that construction is under way, and that the crew is already beginning to taste the food; expect an early 2007 debut.

Good Deals and Other News

Campanile

For those heading to the Hollywood Bowl (or just about any place that has a patch of grass), this top-rated Mediterranean offers a trio of pre-set picnic baskets for one – the Jazz ($35 for a chicken Cobb, grilled wild king salmon and a fruit tart), the Concerto ($37 for a Caesar salad, trenne pasta, crisp flattened chicken and a fruit tart) and the Symphony ($50 for a lettuce and herb salad, grilled vegetables, grilled flat iron steak, three cheeses and a fruit tart). Sadly, they don't offer a Mosh Pit of chili, mac 'n' cheese and sliders.

Clementine

From now till Labor Day, this American cafe is celebrating "Summer BBQ Fridays" from 11:30 AM–7:30 PM, which means 'cue and more 'cue, along with Frito pie, Sheboygan-style bratwurst and, to wash it all down, vanilla, strawberry and chocolate-banana shakes.

Father's Office

Sang Yoon, the master of this Santa Monica artisanal brewpub's hamburger sine qua non, is the latest chef to head for the Helms Bakery complex in Culver City (8800 Venice Blvd.), opening a branch office in the space next to antique dealer H.D. Buttercup before the end of 2006.

French 75

This upscale bistro chain has added local jazz to the mix, with live music Thursday–Saturday from 7:30 PM on. It's also introduced an early evening "Bubbly Hour" (Monday–Friday from 5–7 PM ) featuring carafes of wine for the cost of a glass, half-price champagne cocktails and complimentary appetizers.

Il Grano

For as long as the tomatoes last, chef Sal Marino will offer his yearly Wednesday night "Sagra del Pomodoro" – an à la carte feast built around the more than three dozen types of heirloom tomatoes he grows in his own garden. Expect dishes like Green Zebra tomato gazpacho, oxtail and Cherokee tomato tartare with grilled Santa Barbara prawns and chilled Early Girl tomato soup with Hama Hama oysters; dishes range in price from $6 to $15.

Il Sole

This celebrity-saturated Sunset Plaza Italian has jumped on the special-night bandwagon, offering a fixed-price ravioli tasting on Sunday evenings, with diners choosing three types from a selection of six (lobster, pumpkin, porcini, potato truffle, four cheese or spinach) for $24; antipasti is extra.

Ma'kai

Put on your best Tommy Bahama shirt and head to this Santa Monica Polynesian for a Hawaiian luau every Sunday from 3–7 PM. Platters for four cost from $40–$45, and feature slow-roasted pork, BBQ ribs, poi, ginger chicken, pineapple-coconut rice and other dishes. Complimentary hula lessons round out the fun.

Mako

This Beverly Hills Cal-Asian offers elegant three-tiered "Bento Boxes to Go" – three levels of small tastes for $60. The black or red lacquer box is yours to keep (though you get $10 off if you bring it back for a refill); available Tuesday through Saturday with 24 hours advance notice.

Mark's

Wednesday nights are "Lobster Bake Special Nights" at this La Cienega Californian; the $23.95 meal consists of New England clam chowder or Caesar salad followed by a one-and-a-half-pound Maine lobster with corn on the cob. Chef Wayne Elias jokes, "Better get cracking because our supply of designer bibs is limited."

Matteo's Hoboken

For the record, this spin-off of old-line Matteo's is now known simply as "Hoboken."

Sonora Cafe

From now till the end of September, this La Brea Boulevard Southwestern is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a $20 three-course prix fixe menu (served Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday). Those diners who make their 20th visit to Sonora Cafe before the end of the year will be thanked with a complimentary bottle of Dom Perignon – a good reason to save those credit card receipts.

Eurochow

ZagatWire: August 2006

BuzzEditor — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:19:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
bld	7450 Beverly Blvd.	Los Angeles	323-930-9744
Caffe Roma	350 N. Canon Dr.	Beverly Hills	310-274-7834
Chop Suey Cafe	347 E. First St.	Los Angeles	213-617-9990
Danube Bulgarian	1303 Westwood Blvd.	Westwood	310-473-2414
Delicious Cafe	12541 Beatrice St.	Playa del Rey	310-821-5806
Empress	8264 W. Sunset Blvd.	West Hollywood	323-656-8377
Mirü8691	9162 W. Olympic Blvd.	Beverly Hills	310-777-8378
Naraya Thai	1128 S. Robertson Blvd.	Los Angeles	310-858-7738
Porto Alegre	260 E. Colorado Blvd. #227	Pasadena	626-744-0555
Thaitalian Cooking Duet	49 E. Colorado Blvd.	Pasadena	626-585-8808

Coming Soon

Danny's Venice Deli

This "Modern California Deli" (pastrami with guacamole on rye?) is the latest entry from the team responsible for James' Beach and the Canal Club; it's set to open in Venice (23 Windward Ave.) by mid-August.

Minx

With modern design by Peg O'Brien (of Republic fame) and "global cuisine" by Joseph Antonishek (formerly of O-Bar and Raffles L'Ermitage Hotel), this Glendale fast-laner (300 Harvey Dr.) should attract some attention. In addition to offering several dining spaces on different levels, there will be an outdoor patio, private cabanas and a dance floor; expect an opening in early September.

Weeneez/Red Dot Gallery & Bistro

At this combination upscale hot dog eatery, New American bistro and art gallery (but of course), you'll be able to chew on a sausage, then consider a new work for your living room; slated to open in a historic Downtown building (Security Building, 500 S. Spring St.) in mid-September.

Good Deals and Other News

blue on blue

The new executive chef of this Beverly Hills trendy is Gabriel Gabreski (formerly of La Folie in SF and Daniel in NYC), who's building his seasonal menu with ingredients from the local farmer's markets. Current dishes include sunchoke soup with sunflower seeds and a turbot-and-braised-beef combination with salsify and Meyer lemon.

Caffe Roma

This old-line Beverly Hills Italian cafe has gotten a new lease on life thanks to its recent purchase by Ago Scaindri (Ago and Sor Tino), who's brought in chef Piero Topputo (formerly of Toscana) to do an overnight makeover (350 N. Canon Dr.; 310-274-7834).

Chez Melange

Having decided it's time to get serious about cheese, this South Bay Eclectic is offering a collection of 10 artisanals, including the wonderfully named Purple Haze from Cypress Grove and Bella Sorella from Three Sisters (both from California), and Rogue River Smoky Blue from Oregon. A plate of three runs about $10.

Fish Grill

This kosher seafooder has a new branch in Brentwood (12013 Wilshire Blvd.; 310-479-1800).

Gladstone's Malibu

There's free live music every Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 PM on the beach deck of this ocean-adjacent seafooder: the weekly "Good Vibrations" show, based on the songs of the Beach Boys, runs throughout the summer.

Greta Tunisian

This kosher North African has closed on Melrose, with plans to reopen in several months in a new space on Pico (where kosher restaurants abound). In the meantime, the Melrose space will be taken over by Busaba, a vegetarian Thai restaurant.

Katsu-ya

Designed by Philippe Starck, the new high-style Brentwood branch – rumored to cost somewhere between $7 and $8 million – is the talk of the sushi world, and it's a dazzler, resembling a bento box with its floor-to-ceiling blond wood (11777 San Vicente Blvd.; 310-207-8744).

L'Orangerie

After 29 years (many of them as the Survey's top-rated French restaurant), this Classic Gallic will serve its last dinner on December 31st. Immediately after, Nobu Matsuhisa will take over the property and begin a five-month-long remodel to turn it into the flagship of the Nobu chain, to be called Nobu Matsuhisa. When the new branch is ready, the original Matsuhisa will close – leaving a culinary void on La Cienega's Restaurant Row.

Luna Park

New Trader Vic's–style menu additions at this kitschy American include a quasi-Polynesian pupu platter featuring pork satay, beef "cho cho" (read: more things on sticks) and Szechuan chicken wings ($10.50), as well as "dessert dim sum" served in a bamboo steamer ($7.50). There's also a "volcanic" scorpion bowl for two for $22.

Matteo's

David Slay (formerly of David Slay on Beverly Drive) has been hired to give this Italian-American warhorse a major makeover, including a new look and a menu that brings the kitchen somewhat closer to the 21st century. However, chicken Beckerman and veal Clint Eastwood will stay on the menu.

Mélisse

Until the season ends (October, or even later), chef Josiah Citrin will serve a nightly "Heirloom Tomato Menu" – six to eight courses built around what's available at the moment (ranging from $87–$145 per person). Dishes might include Maine lobster seviche with green zebra tomato gazpacho, Hudson Valley foie gras poached in heirloom tomato consommÃƒÂ© and a confit of heirloom tomatoes with balsamic ice cream.

Providence

For those who'd like to cut to the chase, executive pastry chef Adrian Vasquez is offering an all-dessert menu (five courses for $30 per person) that changes nightly but typically includes outré sweets like yogurt-cucumber sorbet with cantaloupe soup and chocolate cremeaux with raspberry foam.

Tengu

In mid-September, this trendy Westwood sushi lounge is opening a branch in the Santa Monica space formerly occupied by Ivy at the Shore (1541 Ocean Ave.). Expect the same formula that made the original a hit – high-style sushi rolls, exotic sake cocktails and a DJ who likes to crank it up.

Tower Bar

Sundays are "Burger Night" (6–11 PM) at this Sunset Strip Modern French, when chef Piero Morovich flips a variety of patties – from a tuna burger with wasabi-flavored aïoli ($25) to a duck burger topped with a poached egg ($25) to sirloin ($23) and turkey ($21) versions with Dijon crème fraîche – that come with a choice of white cheddar or Brie, skinny french fries or onion rings. Other guilty pleasures include mac 'n' cheese ($9), a foot-long hot dog ($9) and a hot fudge sundae ($10).

Citronelle (Santa Barbara)
Greek Island
Lincoln

ZagatWire: September 2006

BuzzEditor — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:18:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
A Cow Jumped Over the Moon	421 N. Rodeo Dr.	Beverly Hills	310-274-4269
Blue Coral	451 Newport Center Dr.	Newport Beach	949-856-2583
Chez Allez	36 Malaga Cove Plaza	Palos Verdes Estates	310-378-5664
CUBE	615 N. La Brea Ave.	Los Angeles	323-939-1148
Jollibee	3821 Beverly Blvd.	Los Angeles	323-906-8617
Macau Street	429 W. Garvey Ave.	Monterey Park	626-288-3568
Minx	300 Harvey Dr.	Glendale	818-242-9191
Punch Grill	3001 Wilshire Blvd.	Santa Monica	310-828-8812
Sushi Hiroba	776 N. Vine St.	Hollywood	323-962-7237
Vive Lounge	61 N. Raymond Ave.	Pasadena	626-583-8483

New Nightspots

Name	Address	City	Phone
BIN 8945	8945 Santa Monica Blvd.	West Hollywood	310-550-8945
Les Deux	1638 N. Las Palmas Ave.	Hollywood	323-462-7674

Coming Soon

Craft

After flirting with the notion of opening a restaurant in Los Angeles for the past couple of years, chef Tom Colicchio is finally following through. An outpost of Craft – his foodie-friendly New American with locations in NYC and Dallas – is expected to open in early 2007 adjacent to the new Creative Artists Agency building in Century City (2000 Ave. of the Stars).

Vertical Wine Bistro

The newest addition to the Old Town dining mix will be this upscale restaurant and wine bar (70 N. Raymond Ave., Old Pasadena) from film producer Gale Anne Hurd (Aliens, The Terminator) that's scheduled to debut in mid-October. It will offer a selection of 100 wines by the glass, along with 20 wine flights and European small plates by chef Sara Levine (formerly of Zax, Aubergine and Opus Bar & Grill).

Good Deals and Other News

Boa

Those hankering for rib-eye steak with eggs (any style), chorizo hash with grilled halibut or Kobe beef corn dogs should consider the new Sunday brunch at this high-style beefery, served at the Santa Monica location only, from 11 AM–4 PM.

Chakra

This spicy Orange County Indian has opened a new branch at 151 S. Doheny Dr. in Beverly Hills (310-786-7858), adjacent to the Writer's Guild Theatre, in the space last occupied by the Maurya Indian Restaurant.

Clementine

Century City's most popular bakery and sandwich shop has opened a branch in Westwood's Hammer Museum (10899 Wilshire Blvd.; 310-443-7037), offering tasty chow to culture vultures from Tuesday through Saturday, for lunch only.

Dakota

On Sundays, this Hollywood Roosevelt steakhouse takes 50 percent off its wine list (bottles only).

The Hungry Cat

Following the major success of the original Hungry Cat in Hollywood, chef David Lentz and his wife, über-chef Suzanne Goin of Lucques and A.O.C., are opening a second Cat two hours north in Santa Barbara (1134 Chapala St.), with plans to start serving their amazing chowder by the end of the year.

LA Food Show

A Beverly Hills sequel (252 North Beverly Dr.) to the original LA Food Show in Manhattan Beach – itself an upscale sequel to the California Pizza Kitchen chain – should open by the middle of 2007.

Opus

Josef Centeno (formerly of Aubergine and Meson G) is now in the kitchen of this Californian steakhouse, where he plans to institute a more casual Eclectic menu with prices to match. Dishes will range from yellowtail sashimi (with lardons) to the inevitable braised short ribs, complemented by "Spontaneous Tasting Menus" priced at $30, $60 and $90, plus a separate small-plates menu at the bar.

Red Pearl Kitchen

After shuttering Meson G, the ubiquitous team of Tim and Liza Goodell are well under way to re-purposing the space (6703 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles) as a branch of their Huntington Beach Pan-Asian – which delivers casual fare in stylish environs. It's due to open by mid-September.

Tlapazola Grill

This wildly popular West LA Oaxacan has found a second home in Marina del Rey at 4059 Lincoln Blvd. (310-822-7561), where the brothers Roman and Samuel Cruz are serving trademark dishes such as crispy pork carnitas with tomatillo sauce and grilled salmon with mole de pipian.

Tower Bar

The stylish dining room in the Sunset Tower Hotel has spawned The Terrace, a poolside sibling featuring – what else? – chef Piero Morovich's stylish Italian-accented poolside chow, including Sicilian-style crab cakes, grilled langoustines and chicken alla Diavola.

Dino's Italian Inn
JR Seafood
Troquet (Costa Mesa)

ZagatWire: December 2006

BuzzEditor — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:17:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
Asia Los Feliz	3179 Los Feliz Blvd.	Los Angeles	323-906-9498
Baleen Los Angeles	260 Portofino Way	Redondo Beach	310-372-1202
Leatherby's Cafe Rouge	615 Town Center Dr.	Costa Mesa	714-429-7640
Manna Sushi	29 E. Holly St.	Pasadena	626-796-2388
Oinkster, The	2005 Colorado Blvd.	Los Angeles	323-255-6465
Pizzeria Mozza	641 N. Highland Ave.	Los Angeles	323-297-0101
RA Sushi	3525 W. Carson St.	Torrance	310-370-6700
Scarboni	312 Wilshire Blvd.	Santa Monica	310-393-2288
Twist	1755 N. Highland Ave.	Hollywood	323-491-1000
Vertical Wine Bistro	70 N. Raymond Ave.	Pasadena	626-795-3999

New Nightspots

Name	Address	City	Phone
Boulevard 3	6523 W. Sunset Blvd.	Hollywood	323-466-2144
Edison, The	108 W. Second St.	Los Angeles	213-613-0000
J Restaurant & Lounge	1119 S. Olive St.	Los Angeles	213-746-7746
Mandrake	2692 S. La Cienega Blvd.	Culver City	310-837-3297

Coming Soon

BLT Steak

NYC über-chef Laurent Tourondel has announced plans to open a branch of BLT Steak in the West Hollywood space (8720 Sunset Blvd.) long occupied by Le Dome; after an extensive remodel, he should be grilling by the summer of 2007.

Craft

And speaking of celebrity chefs from NYC, word has it that construction delays will keep the LA branch of Tom Colicchio's Craft, to be located in the new Creative Artists Agency building in Century City (2000 Ave. of the Stars), from opening until April 2007 – which means agents at soon-to-relocate CAA will either have to brown bag it for a while, or turn Houston's into the next Grill on the Alley.

Ketchup

The Dolce Group (Dolce Enoteca, Geisha House) will try its luck in the ill-fated Sunset Millennium complex (8590 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood) with this saucy entree, a trendy dedicated to the pleasures of American comfort food due to open in spring 2007.

Good Deals and Other News

Holiday-Themed Cooking Classes

The Farmers Market branch of Sur La Table (6333 W. Third St.; 323-954-9190) is offering a series of cooking events; themes include "Celebrating Hanukkah" (December 6th; 6:30 PM; $65 per person), "Italian Christmas Eve Dinner" (December 7th; 6:30 PM; $65 per person), "Gingerbread House Workshop" (December 9th; 2 & 10:30 PM; $45 per person), "Holiday Cookie Exchange" (December 10th; 2 PM; $65 per person), "Easy Holiday Brunch" (December 12th; 6:30 PM; $65 per person) and "Gifts from the Kitchen" (December 16th; 2 PM, $45 per person; 10:30 PM, $65 per person).

Bistro Verdu

A Thursday night chef's "Tasting Table" matches a four-course off-the-menu dinner with vintage wines selected by the nearby Rosso Wine Shop; seating is limited to 12 people (7 PM; $40 per person).

Bridge

The noble truffle is celebrated every Tuesday at this Modern Italian with a five-course white truffle tasting menu of pumpkin and potato soup with white truffles; Piemontese mushroom tortino with white truffle fondue; gnocchi with sautéed chicory and white truffles; veal tenderloin alla Rossini with white truffles; and – yes! – zabaglione caldo with white truffles ($200 per person; $235 with wine).

Hop Li

This increasingly ubiquitous Chinese seafood chain has taken over the West LA space occupied until recently by JR Seafood (11901 Santa Monica Blvd.; 310-268-2463).

Luna Park

On Monday nights, this La Brea American offers a "Starving Artist Prix Fixe" feed for $18, which features a choice of goat cheese fondue or Caesar salad, chicken mole or mac 'n' cheese and s'mores or fried apple pie, along with an all-night happy hour that includes $2 Pabst Blue Ribbons and $6 mojitos; and since here in Hollywood, we're all artists in one way or another, it's a special that's open to everyone.

Pete's Cafe

"Thursday Wine Tastings" led by Adam Leemon ("Sommelier to the Stars") include wine samplings and a light meal to match; call for a list of upcoming featured wineries (6–8 PM; $25 per person).

Tiger Lily

The menu at Sumant Pardal's ambitious Pan-Asian now includes Japanese shichirin dishes cooked on a portable tabletop clay grill that uses a type of smokeless charcoal called bincho – a fine way to sizzle platters of steak, prawns, salmon and tuna, with dipping sauces to match.

Valentino

Until the end of December, Piero Selvaggio will offer his annual "Festa dei Tartufi," a nightly eight-course feast featuring truffled dishes incorporating the likes of Nantucket bay scallops, Four Story Hill Farm pheasant and, of course, a white truffle risotto that unleashes the very essence of the fungi ($175 per person; $225 with wines).

Authentic Cafe
Mama Voula
Norman's

ZagatWire: November 2006

BuzzEditor — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:17:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
BottleRock	3847 Main St.	Culver City	310-836-9463
Brigante	1423 Mission St.	Pasadena	626-441-4663
Caffe Primo	8590 Sunset Blvd.	West Hollywood	310-289-8895
Canele	3219 Glendale Blvd.	Los Angeles	323-666-7133
Central Park	219 S. Fair Oaks Ave.	Pasadena	626-449-4499
Circa 55	9876 Wilshire Blvd.	Beverly Hills	310-887-6055
Colony Cafe & Papa's Porch	10939 W. Pico Blvd.	West LA	310-470-8909
Coupa Cafe	419 N. Canon Dr.	Beverly Hills	310-385-0420
E. Baldi	375 N. Canon Dr.	Beverly Hills	310-248-2633
J Restaurant & Lounge	1119 S. Olive St.	Los Angeles	213-746-7746
Larchmont Grill	5750 Melrose Ave.	Hollywood	323-464-4277
Sunset Beach	8240 W. Sunset Blvd.	West Hollywood	323-654-8100
uWink Bistro	6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd.	Woodland Hills	818-992-1100
Vault, The	2675 E. Colorado Blvd.	Pasadena	626-683-3344

New Nightspots

Name	Address	City	Phone
Area	643 N. La Cienega Blvd.	West Hollywood	310-652-2012
BottleRock	3847 Main St.	Culver City	310-836-9463
Red Pearl Kitchen	6703 Melrose Ave.	Hancock Park	323-525-1415

Coming Soon

Charcoal

Mesquite cooking will be the specialty of this sibling of Memphis (and Geisha House and Dolce Enoteca e Ristorante) offering grilled food in a masculine setting of wood and stone; after many delays, it's due to open adjacent to Hollywood's ArcLight Theatre by the end of the year (6360 Sunset Blvd.).

Il Capriccio Wood-Fired Pizza

From the owners of Los Feliz's Il Capriccio on Vermont, this forthcoming Hollywood eatery (4518 Hollywood Blvd.) will feature a menu built around pizzas and panini sandwiches made from crusty housemade bread; though it's not due open until late November, there are already branches planned from Pasadena to The OC.

The Oinkster

Chef Andre Guerrero (Max, Señor Fred) will finally open this long-delayed casual American (2005 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock) in a former Dairy Queen by Christmas; expect haute down-home cuisine – he's sought the expertise of cult favorite Langer's in crafting the definitive pastrami sandwich, and he's making the burgers with Angus beef from Nebraska.

Pizzeria Mozza

Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton's highly anticipated pizzeria at 641 N. Highland Avenue (323-297-0101) is scheduled to open on November 8th; the menu is similar to the one offered at Batali's Otto, with affordable prices, gourmet pies and an extensive Italian wine list.

Ummba Grill

This Brazilian churrascaria, situated between the new multiplex and the new food court in Century City's Westfield Shoppingtown, should satisfy whatever need shoppers have for protein, with a sizable salad bar for those who don't want to beef up before trying on designer jeans; after numerous delays, it's now scheduled to open just after Thanksgiving – in time for the start of the holiday shopping season.

Zov's

The latest concept from Zov Karamardian of Zov's Bistro in Tustin is this pair of even-more-casual cafes that will serve her Mediterranean cuisine and offer her many baked goods; the Newport Beach branch opens in the Newport Coast Shopping Center in spring 2007, while the Irvine branch follows in the fall in Orchard Hills Village Center.

Good Deals and Other News

Arnie Morton's of Chicago

Until Thanksgiving Day, this mega-steakhouse is offering a $99 multicourse surf 'n' turf combo for two, including a Caesar salad, a choice of shrimp Alexander or crab cakes, a pair of filets accompanied by a spud and a vegetable and a choice of hot chocolate cake or crème brûlée; the catch is, you've got to go to the restaurant's Web site, www.mortons.com/steakandseafood, to print a discount certificate – no certificate, no deal.

Clementine

For "Mexican Wednesdays" at this Century City bakery/cafe, chef Annie Miller explores the intriguing cooking of Oaxaca – which translates into a rainbow of moles served at lunch.

The CrêpeVine

At "Tasting Tuesdays" at this Old Pasadena bistro, two-ounce pours of more than 80 wines (prices vary depending on the wine) are offered from 3–11 PM, along with a selection of $2 appetizers and a $6 cheese plate.

Cuidad

Every Tuesday, there's "Paella on the Patio" at the Downtown location, with the paella's ingredients varying from week to week (5–9 PM; $29 per person, includes paella, gazpacho and salad).

Doug Arango's

Though the weather doesn't change in autumn in Southern California, menus do: new dishes at this Melrose Avenue American include celery-and-Fuji-apple soup with Roquefort croutons; beef and foie gras burgers; Berkshire pork loin; lacquered duck breast with pumpkin risotto; and salted-caramel ice cream.

Du-par's

After an estimated $2 million face-lift, this 68-year-old Farmer's Market landmark (6333 W. Third St., Los Angeles), the original home of this American diner chain, will reopen in time for Thanksgiving with a "new" old look, a new owner ("Biff" Naylor of Tiny Naylor's fame) and a new chef (Medardo Hernandez of Wolfgang Puck's late Granita).

Gingergrass

Four-course family-style Modern Vietnamese dinners created by chef Mako Antonishek are the bill of fare on "Mako Mondays"; don't miss the unique Asian-spiced upside-down pineapple cake, proof that there's more to Vietnamese dessert than multicolored mung-bean beverages (one seating at 7:30 PM; $35 per person).

Katsu-ya

This ultra-stylish Philippe Starck–designed Japanese is now offering lunch Monday through Friday, giving the ladies-who-lunch of Brentwood a new destination at which to taste and tipple.

Lola's

The restaurant that claims to have invented the green apple martini is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a new chef, Jake Filipovich (ex NOLA of New Orleans), who's shifted the menu from Californian to Cajun, though without removing popular creations like the Santa Fe salad and meatloaf.

Nine Thirty

It's "Mushroom Mondays" at this upscale eatery in the W Westwood, with many a fungus among us on the small-plate menu, priced from $12 to $16 per dish.

Posh on Pico

Has closed, but plans to reopen in a new location next year.

Röckenwagner Bakery

Every Friday, Hans Röckenwagner and his crew are offering "Berliners," the highly puffy jelly doughnuts (they're allowed to rise three times before frying), in a nod to JFK's 1963 "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech (served from 8 AM–4 PM or until they run out; $2 each, with a one-dozen limit per customer).

Saddle Peak Lodge

The new chef at this game-centric Malibu Mountains American is Steven Rojas, the former chef de cuisine at Patina at the Hollywood Bowl. An Argentina native, he grew up cooking beef from the Pampas over wood chips in his family's backyard before moving on to Tru in Chicago and the original Patina on Melrose.

Sterling Steakhouse

On "Wine Wednesday," ebullient sommelier Jonathan Mitchell offers constantly changing tastes of his favorite wines, along with hors d'oeuvres to match, on the outdoor patio (starts at 6 PM; $20 per person).

Osteria Nonni
Solar Harvest

ZagatWire: October 2006

BuzzEditor — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:17:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
Ate18	17620 Ventura Blvd.	Encino	818-728-1212
Coco Noche	1140 Highland Ave.	Manhattan Beach	310-545-4925
Cuba Central	114 S. Central Ave.	Los Angeles	213-687-3193
Eat Well Cafe	7385 Beverly Blvd.	Los Angeles	323-938-1300
Magnolia Lounge	492 S. Lake Ave.	Pasadena	626-584-1126
Mike & Anne's	1040 Mission St. South	Pasadena	626-799-7199
Minotaure	333 Culver Blvd	Playa del Rey	310-306-6050
Prana Cafe	650 N. La Cienega Blvd.	West Hollywood	310-360-0551
Rack, The	6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd.	Woodland Hills	818-716-0123
redwhite+bluezz	70 S. Raymond Ave.	Pasadena	626-792-4441
Sur	606 N. Robertson Blvd.	West Hollywood	310-289-2824
Yatai Asian Tapas Bar	8535 W. Sunset Blvd.	West Hollywood	310-289-0030

New Nightspots

Name	Address	City	Phone
La Cita	336 S. Hill St.	Los Angeles	213-687-7111
Minx Lounge	300 Harvey Dr.	Glendale	818-242-9191
Redwood Bar & Grill	316 W. Second St.	Los Angeles	213-680-2600

Coming Soon

Adobe

With the Ivy at the Shore moving several doors north on Ocean Avenue, this busy Santa Monica block is going through a number of changes. A branch of Tengu will open later this year in the Ivy's former digs, while this new upscale Southwestern (1535 Ocean Ave.), planned for the space behind Tengu, is set to open in early 2007.

Blue Velvet

Yet another piece of the Downtown revival, this New American work-in-progress designed by Tag Front (Boa, Geisha House) is being built poolside at The Flat, a 150-unit residential development west of the Harbor Freeway (750 Garland St.). As an added bonus, the adjacent Blue Lounge will have floor-to-ceiling windows with a dramatic view of the Downtown skyline; due to open in early November.

Eleven

From longtime producer Sid Krofft (Land of the Lost, etc.) comes this New American restaurant and nightclub in West Hollywood's First National Bank Building (8811 Santa Monica Blvd.). Slated to debut in early November, it will feature fountains by WET Design (who did the dancing waters at the Bellagio in Las Vegas), cooking by Vincent Manna (formerly of Spago and Mélisse) and live entertainment nightly.

French Brasserie

The name sounds generic, but considering that it's being created by the hyper-trendy team that's given us local hot spots Falcon, Pearl Dragon and Voda, this brasserie just off the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica (Santa Monica Blvd. between 2nd and 3rd Sts.) just might be LA's answer to NYC's Balthazar; due to open in early 2007.

Royale

Opening by the end of the year in the newly remodeled Wilshire Royale Hotel (2619 Wilshire Blvd.), this Cal-Med aspires to be a destination restaurant evoking the elegance of Old Hollywood in newly hot Downtown LA.

Tanzore

In the Beverly Hills space (50 N. La Cienega Blvd.) that was for many years the upscale Gaylord Indian arrives this trendy Bollywood-style restaurant and lounge with design by Sat Garg, who made Tantra in Silver Lake one of the hottest spots in town.

T on Fairfax

Well, now, this is different – a postmodern tea parlor (435 N. Fairfax Ave.) dreamed up by a pair of club impresarios, who are betting that gourmet teas (more than 100), stylish sandwiches and a DJ add up to the Next Big Thing; we'll find out when they open in November.

Good Deals and Other News

Brent's Deli

The Westlake Village branch (2799 Townsgate Rd.; 805-557-1882) of this popular Jewish deli has opened.

Cafe Del Rey

This longtime waterfront favorite, with its distinctive Pacific Rim take on Cal-French cuisine, has a new pastry chef with a distinctive background – Esti Rothstein, who last did the sweets at Mario Batali's flagship, Babbo. Here, she's concocting desserts like chocolate truffle cake with Earl Grey mousse, ginger panna cotta with peach carpaccio and a chocolate caramel tart covered with sea salt.

California Chicken Cafe

The popular chicken specialist has added a new branch at 424 Lincoln Blvd. in Venice (310-392-3500), with another roost opening next year at 22333 Ventura Blvd. in Woodland Hills.

Coral Tree Café

Brentwood's Cal-Ital hangout is beginning to march across the local landscape, first opening a satellite (Coral Tree Express) in Century City's Westfield Shopping Center (10250 Santa Monica Blvd.; 310-553-8737), and now expanding into the San Fernando Valley with a branch of the Tree at 17499 Ventura Blvd. in Encino (818-789-8733).

French Crêpe Co.

In mid-November, this Farmer's Market destination is branching into a very different marketplace – the Hollywood & Highland complex at (not surprisingly) Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue in Hollywood.

Jody Maroni's Sausage Kingdom

Sausage meister Jody Maroni has discovered the joys of discount shopping centers. His latest branch just opened in Ventura County's Camarillo Premium Outlet Mall (740 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo; 805-384-9300), to be followed later this year by a branch in the Desert Hills Mall in Cabazon, just west of Palm Springs.

Monsieur Marcel

After years of serving cheese and wine in the Farmer's Market, this casual French bistro is heading toward the blue Pacific, with a new branch opening later this year on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica.

Norman's

Chef Norman Van Aken is reviving the fine art of the happy hour with his "Twilight Tapas," offered Tuesday–Saturday from 5:30–7:30 PM in the restaurant's lounge and on the outdoor patio. Dishes can be ordered à la carte or as part of a $35 meal that includes three kinds of tapas plus dessert, all complemented by two-for-one drinks.

Pecorino

This Brentwood Italian is now offering an eight-course tasting menu ($55; $95 paired with five wines), served Mondays through Thursdays from 5:30–10:30 PM. Expect dishes like zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta and pecorino; risotto with lobster and asparagus; and boneless rack of lamb with artichokes and pecorino.

Sweet Lady Jane

After 18 years of selling her baked goods exclusively at her Melrose desserterie, owner Jane Lockhart has finally decided to expand…a little. She's now offering her products at Gelson's in Century City (10250 Santa Monica Blvd.; 310-277-4288) – which means triple berry shortcake isn't just a West Hollywood thing anymore.

ZagatWire: February 2007

BuzzEditor — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:16:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
3 Square Cafe + Bakery	1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd.	Venice	310-399-6504
Boulevard Lounge	1114 N. Crescent Heights Blvd.	West Hollywood	323-654-6686
Danny's Venice Deli	23 Windward Ave.	Venice	310-566-5610
e3rd Steakhouse & Lounge	734 E. Third St.	Los Angeles	213-680-3003
Eleven	8811 Santa Monica Blvd.	West Hollywood	310-855-0800
Hampton's	2 Dole Dr.	Westlake Village	818-575-3000
Kado	6333 W. 3rd St.	Los Angeles	323-933-0055
Kansas City BBQ Company	4141 Lankershim Blvd.	Studio City	818-754-0030
La Bodequita de Pico	5047 W. Pico Blvd.	Los Angeles	323-937-2822
Sushi Ozekii, The	480 S. San Vicente Blvd.	Los Angeles	323-852-1799
Tokyo Table	50 N. La Cienega Blvd.	Beverly Hills	310-657-9500
Top Island	740 E. Valley Blvd.	Alhambra	626-300-9898

New Nightspots

Name	Address	City	Phone
Bar Lubitsch	7702 Santa Monica Blvd.	West Hollywood	323-654-1234
Royale	2619 Wilshire Blvd.	Los Angeles	213-388-8488
Tengu	1541 Ocean Ave.	Santa Monica	310-587-2222
Trifecta	200 South Hill St.	Los Angeles	213-625-0000
Winstons	7466 Santa Monica Blvd.	West Hollywood	650-522-9800

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)

ZagatWire: January 2007

BuzzEditor — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:16:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
Baran	1916 Westwood Blvd.	Westwood	310-475-4500
Bloom Cafe	5544 W. Pico Blvd.	Los Angeles	323-934-6900
Blue Velvet	750 S. Garland Ave.	Los Angeles	213-239-0061
Celadon	7910 W. Third St.	Los Angeles	323-658-8028
Garden Cafe	100 N. Central Ave.	Los Angeles	213-621-2002
Pike Restaurant & Bar	1836 E. 4th St.	Long Beach	562-437-4453
Prime Grill	421 N. Rodeo Dr.	Beverly Hills	310-860-1233
Royale	2619 Wilshire Blvd.	Los Angeles 213-388-8488	510-653-6603
Rustic Canyon	1119 Wilshire Blvd.	Santa Monica	310-393-7050
Ummba Grill	10250 Santa Monica Blvd.	Century City	310-552-2014
Yose	2435 Main St.	Santa Monica	310-255-0680
ZenChi	11334 Moorpark St.	North Hollywood	818-760-3890

New Nightspots

Name	Address	City	Phone
Bordello	901 E. First St.	Los Angeles	213-687-3766
Library Bar	630 W. Sixth St.	Los Angeles	213-614-0053

Coming Soon

Comme Ça

Sona chef David Myers is planning this brasserie in the West Hollywood space that was going to house his Japanese small-plate concept, Sokyo (8479 Melrose Ave.). The menu will feature onion tart tatin, steak frites, cassoulet and crispy beef marrow with oxtail jam. A spring debut is expected. (By the way, the Sokyo concept isn't dead; Myers just intends to open it in a less sushi-saturated part of town.)

The Foundry on Melrose

After the closing of Meson G on Melrose, chef Eric Greenspan has migrated about a mile west to open this impressively named New American, scheduled to debut by early March in the space that was formerly home to Cafe Luna (7463 Melrose Ave.).

Fraiche

Now that both La Terza and the nearby BottleRock are off the ground, ubiquitous chef Jason Trevi is readying this new rustic Mediterranean in the heart of bustling Culver City (Culver Blvd. and Main St.) with partner d'Thierry Perez (formerly of Providence); expect an opening by spring.

Huntley

After working on a Pan-Asian concept with chef Rodelio Aglibot (formerly of Yi Cuisine) for several months, the powers-that-be at Santa Monica's Huntley Hotel (1111 Second St.) have opted to shift from the Pacific to the Mediterranean. This latest version will feature cooking by chef E. Michael Reidt (of Sevilla in Santa Barbara) and mojo from high-profile Las Vegas restaurant consultant Elizabeth Blau (who last placed Kerry Simon at the Sofitel).

Larkin's

Due to open in early 2007, this Southerner will serve down-home fried chicken, smothered pork chops and hulking pieces of pie in a sweet cottage a few blocks east of Eagle Rock's burgeoning Restaurant Row (1496 Colorado Blvd.).

Romanov: It's been a long time since there's been a high-end Russian restaurant in LA (remember the Moskva Cliffs and Mischa's?), but restaurateur Mikayel Israyelyan (Republic, Prana Cafe) intends to change that with this newcomer modeled after the Tsar's Winter Palace. Helmed by chef Gabriel Morales (formerly of Boa), the kitchen will turn out classic Russian dishes like quail Kiev and oxtail braised with juniper berries when it debuts in February in Studio City (12229 Ventura Blvd.).

Terroni

An outpost of this casual Toronto-based Italian famous for its pizzas is scheduled to open in March in the former Fairfax digs of the wildly popular Authentic Cafe (7605 Beverly Blvd.).

Good Deals and Other News

The Blvd

In an effort to pretend that it's cold outside (in Beverly Hills, people put on their Uggs when the temp drops below 80), this casual cafe in the Beverly Wilshire is offering a wintertime Hot Chocolate Bar with a menu divided into "Warm & Fuzzy" (cocktails with names like the Melted Snowflake and the Gingerbread Man) and "Sweet, Spicy and Not So Fuzzy" (nonalcoholic drinks like the Cocoa Monkey and the Baby Godiva); there's also a selection of flavored homemade marshmallows.

CUBE

From now until the end of April, this artisanal cafe is serving a three-course "Fun-Do" menu all day every Tuesday at about $30 per person (depending on market prices), consisting of a constantly changing cheese fondue (recently Great Hill Clue with fresh thyme), a salad of whatever's best at the Farmers Market and red and white pears, roasted asparagus spears and herbed cauliflower florets for dipping; a dessert made with seasonal fruits finishes it off.

Cynthia's

A new owner has taken over Cynthia Hirsh's Third Street joint, renaming it restaurant3. Look for more information on the new restaurant in next month's ZagatWire.

Il Grano

On "Bollito Misto Wednesdays," chef Sal Marino offers a four-course prix fixe meal ($49 per person) from 5:30–10:30 PM. It includes tagliata contadino (a wood board with sundry salumi), housemade tortellini in broth, boiled meats (beef, pork, lamb) and vegetables served from a rolling cart with dipping sauces and a dessert of roasted chestnuts and pastries. There's also a 20 percent discount on magnums of wine.

The Little Door

This celeb-heavy Mediterranean has opened The Little Next Door (8142 W. Third St., LA; 323-951-1010), a heavily mirrored Fauchon -like shop with takeout both packaged and freshly prepared – try chef T. Nicolas Peter's salads made with ingredients gathered at the nearby Farmers Market, along with his pâtés, rillettes, confits and "three-bite sandwiches"; the wine list is extensive, the cheese selection impressive and – most importantly – you don't need to be a client of CAA to get in.

Matsuhisa

Nobu Matsuhisa has shelved his much-publicized plan to close his flagship restaurant. It will continue to do business as usual on La Cienega just down the road from its new sibling, Nobu Los Angeles, which is opening early this year in the former L'Orangerie space.

McCormick & Schmick's

The latest branch of this well-respected seafood chain has opened in the midst of the Burbank Media District's Restaurant Row, just down the street from Arnie Morton's and French 75, in The Pinnacle (3500 W. Olive Ave.; 818-260-0505).

Noé

Through the end of January, this Downtown New American is serving tapas three ways – renditions of its Spanish omelet include potato and onion marmalade, chorizo and tomato ceviche, and foie gras and truffles.

The Palm

Sure, it's famous for its steak and lobster, but now this classic American wants to be known as a destination for seafood too, with new menu additions such as pan-seared peppercorn-crusted ahi, blackened Atlantic salmon with mango salsa, wild halibut with citrus butter and broiled jumbo lump crab cakes.

Sona

To celebrate the arrival of winter, chef David Myers has created 13 new cocktails ($14–$16 each), including an Indonesian Vodka Sour (Absolut Vanilla, Indonesian peppercorns, vanilla bean, lemon and lime) and a Bees Knees Martini (Plymouth Gin, honey, lemon and orange); as a twist, each contains a chunk of ice carved into a shape appropriate to the drink.

Tart

Through the end of winter, this casual American in the Farmer's Daughter Hotel is offering a daily all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast for $4.95 per person, served with cinnamon-flavored maple syrup and whipped butter.

Wine Bistro

A year after the closing of the Four Oaks Cafe in Beverly Glen, veteran chef Peter Roelant has resurfaced as the new toque at Jean-Bernard Torchon's Studio City bistro; his new dishes include smoked sturgeon with red beet crème fraîche, and shrimp and crab fritters with pineapple-ginger chutney.

L'Orangerie
Malverde
Market City Caffe (Arcadia branch only)
Yi Cuisine

ZagatWire: March 2007

BuzzEditor — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:15:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
Addendum	1 Seething Ln.	London	020-7977 9500
Annex 3	6 Little Portland St.	London	020-7631 0700
Entrecote Café de Paris	3A-3B Baker St.	London	020-7935 3030
Grill, The	Albemarle St.	London	020-7518 4060
Imli	167-169 Wardour St.	London	020-7287 4243
Yakitoria	25 Sheldon Sq.	London	020-3214 3000

New Nightspots

Name	Address	City	Phone
Annex 3	6 Little Portland St.	London	020-7631 0700
Cuckoo Club, The	Swallow St.	London	020-7287 4300
Scarlet Spice Bar	4 Crispin Sq.	London	020-7375 0880
Winchester, The	2 Essex Rd.	London	020-7704 8789

Coming Soon

Dans le Noir

Coming to Clerkenwell (30-31 Clerkenwell Green, EC1) is this dining concept from Paris that aims to enhance patrons' senses of taste and smell by plunging them into complete darkness (the staff is visually impaired and no movement will be allowed in the dining room without the assistance of a guide). The menu will feature French fusion cuisine – diners can read it, and place orders, in an illuminated lounge.

Saran Rom

The imported furnishings at this Thai newcomer will replicate the banquet rooms of Vimanmek Palace, Bangkok's teakwood mansion. The Fulham space (Unit 1, Waterside Tower, The Boulevard, Town Mead Rd., Imperial Wharf, SW6) will feature two bars, dining areas spread over three floors and views of the Thames. Many of the menu's ingredients will be flown in from Thailand.

Good Deals and Other News

Late-Night London

In the biggest shake-up of the drinking laws since the end of the First World War, bars and pubs in England and Wales are now permitted to stay open after 11 PM. About 5,000 London venues are expected to take advantage of the newly relaxed regulations, with some – including Fabric, Meet and Turnmills – now licensed to serve alcohol 24 hours a day.

Momo (Selfridges)