Dining and Retail

This Week in Fashion
8/28/2013 - Friday: Chic men's boutique, MRKT, is now open at Sunset and Hyperion, on the border of Silverlake and Los Feliz.  The 800 square foot store features ware from both local and international labels alike, all with a very edgy feel.

NYC based florist, Spruce, debuted its first ever LA store at the intersection of Fountain and Sunset in Los Feliz.

Monday: Online fashion flash sale broker, HauteLook, is moving its corporate headquarters into 7,500 square feet of space at downtown's Alameda Square, on 7th Street.

Tuesday: Come September 5th, local designer For Love & Lemons, is converting its downtown studio, at 7th and Santa Fe, into a semi retail space that will serve customers every Thursday.

This Week in Food
8/26/2013 - Monday: Easton Gym, located at Beverly and Crescent Heights, is getting a new juice bar by the name of Mojo sometime next month.

Boba/coffee house MangoSix is headed to the corner of 3rd and Croft, on the BH/LA/WH border.

Tuesday: L.E.N.O. Juice Bar debuted today at 27th and Figueroa, near USC.

A fancy new jazz club, by the name of Wolf & Crane, is setting up shop at Little Tokyo Village on 2nd, near Central.  When it debuts this fall, it will be the first full service bar to open in Little Tokyo in over a decade.

A new bar, bearing the historic name of General Lee's, is headed to Old Chinatown Plaza, between Hill and Broadway.  By the sound of it, we should expect big things.

Businessman/Chef/God Josef Centeno (father of both Baco Mercat and Bar Ama) is getting ready to open his third restaurant in the Historic Core.  Orsa & Winston, located on 4th between Spring and Main, will soft open September 24th.

Wednesday: Whoa!  Sustainable meat butcher, Belcampo, is headed to downtown's Grand Central Market on 3rd, between Hill and Broadway.  Gentrify, baby, gentrify.

Thursday: Laguna Beach's very hip Zinc Cafe & Market is expanding to the Arts District.  The new store, located at Willow and Mateo, will open sometime this fall.

Ramen house, Daikokuya, at Olympic and Sawtelle, is now open (albeit ever so softly).

Friday: Up and coming Andante Coffee Roasters is opening up shop on the western corner of Beverly and The Grove Drive (near The Farmer's Market), at the former Buzz Coffee space.


Co-Op 28/Apt 2B Los Feliz
8/20/2013 - Home good, furniture, and handcrafted clothing boutiques Co-Op 28 and Apt 2B have expanded to Prospect and Vermont in Los Feliz.  Check out the story on Racked for more info.



This Week in Food
8/20/2013 - Monday: A chic new italian gastropub, by the name of 643 North, is headed to Cesar Chavez and Spring later this month.

Plan Check is opening a second location at Oakwood and Fairfax later this summer.

Tuesday: A new farm to table eatery, by the name of Faith & Flower, will debut later this fall at 9th and Flower.

9 Olives, a restaurant at Sunset and Havenhurst, is currently being transformed into a sexy new lounge by called Punks.

Helm's Bakery is on its way to Venice and Hutchison early next year.

Wednesday: A new artisanal desert shop by the name of Creme Caramel LA, from Kristine De La Cruz of farmer's market fame, is on its way to Sherman Oaks at Burbank and Kester.

Thursday: When it finally opens, it looks like the new Acne Studios space at 9th and Broadway will feature a Il Caffe Coffee Bar.

Friday: The newly remodeled/rebranded Squirl + LOU is now open for business.

A new pizza shop by the name of 800 Degrees To-Go will soon open at Westwood and Lindbrook.

The Kooples on Robertson
8/17/2013 - Racked reports that french clothier, The Kooples, will open its first US store on Robertson, near Beverly, and the tri-city (can we call it that?) border.


Rag & Bone Brentwood
8/13/2013 - According to Racked, New York based clothier Rag & Bone will soon open a second LA store in Brentwood on San Vicente, near Barrington.


This Week in Food
8/12/2013 - Monday: The tastefully named Moon Juice juice bar, is gearing up to open its second location at Sunset and Silverlake.

A new 'cereal-centric' cafe, by the name of Another Kind of Sunrise, is coming to the corner of Venice and Abbot Kinney later this month.

The dairy free M Cafe de Chaya is on its way to the corner of San Vicente and Barrington in Brentwood.

Tuesday: More sushi for Sawtelle.  Kula Revolving Sushi will soon debut between Olympic and Mississippi.

Wednesday: Square One at the Boathouse, fun new eatery on Echo Park Lake, is now serving both breakfast and lunch.

Lady M Confections, a fantastic new cakery on 3rd and Robertson, is now open for business.

Studio City's Starlight Room, at Moorpark and Tujunga, is being reborn as Star Lite Cantina.  The new incarnation will feature food as well as drink.

Thursday: Hollywood and Vine will soon receive a fancy new sports bar (40 HD TVs) in the form of 33 Taps.

An old auto shop, on the corner of Lincoln and Marco, in Venice, is being transformed into a fascinating new restaurant by the name of Superba Food & Bread.

Friday: Newly opened Kettled Glazed Doughnuts is making a name for itself with a unique spin on the croughnut.

Paseo Plaza
8/10/2013 - More resurrection news from Curbed.  If all goes well, Continental Development Group will break ground later this year on Paseo Plaza, a mixed use project containing 437 residential units, at Santa Monica and Saint Andrews.

The Lexington Project
8/9/2013 - According to Curbed, the massive mixed use Lexington project on Santa Monica and Las Palmas, with a planned 11 buildings (containing up to 6 stories a piece), 786 residential units, 22,000 square feet of commercial space, an arena, 3 nightclubs, a pool, several open public spaces, and 1,612 parking spaces, is back from the dead.  Whew!  If all goes well, construction will begin sometime in 2017.


Diptyque Larchmont
8/7/2013 - Refinery29 reports that Paris based luxury candlemaker Diptyque will open a new store on North Larchmont near Beverly, in November.  In addition to candles, the store will carry Diptyque's signature perfumes, soaps, lotions, and more.


8/5/2013 - This Week in Food
Tuesday: After being closed for nearly five months, the much lauded Cowboys & Turbans (at Sunset and Silverlake), has finally reopened its doors.

Euro street food faire is coming to Cahuenga Boulevard in Studio City.  Spitz will open up shop sometime in the next couple of months.

Gary Arabia, founding chef of Global Cuisine Catering, is launching a new market on Cahuenga and Oakshire, complete with 22 foot vaulted dealings.  GC Marketplace is slated to open in June of next year.

Wednesday: After closing up shop earlier this year, Dillon's Restaurant & Irish Pub is reopening on Hollywood and Ivar.

And one block south, at Sunset and Ivar, the people behind City Tavern are planning to open a new southern style sandwich and salad shop under the name of Roadside Eats.

Spin the Bottle Wine Studio is now serving customers at Riverside and Talofa.

3 Square Cafe, an austrian influenced bakery and restaurant, will begin serving customers at the BW on Wilshire and Barrington, on September 15th.

Thursday:  Ebanos Crossing, that highly anticipated new restaurant and bar at 2nd and Hill, is now open.

Valerie's, that excellent bakery and eatery that has been serving Grand Central Market patrons for the last couple months, has opened a second location at Lucretia and Echo Park today.

Wendell Bar is planning to take over the old Craby Joe's space at 7th and Main.

Marina Del Rey's newly opened Hilton Garden Inn features a new ground floor bar and grill, appropriately named the Marina Grill and Bar.

8/1/2013 - In a statement issued by Councilman Huizar's office yesterday, it was announced that Whole Foods had signed a lease on 42,000 square feet of ground floor space in the forthcoming Carmel Project on 8th Street, between Grand and Olive.  The Downtown News reports that the grocer plans to open its doors sometime in 2015.


Office, Apartment, and Retail
7/31/2013 - This morning, Curbed brings us news on three separate developments.  First on the list, after nearly two years mired in legal battles, that parking lot and burger shack on the corner of Selma and Vine is about to be transformed into a beautiful 8 story office building, with 2,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor.

Next up is a controversial new mixed use development, at Klamath and Eastern in El Sereno, which is currently fighting its way through the approval process.  If approved, the project will feature a charter school, cafe, and 20 residential units.

In other news, it looks as if that residential project planned for the corner of Sunset and Everett, will get an additional 58 parking spaces, as well as 8,000 square feet of retail space.

Medallion 2.0
7/30/2013 - Blogger Brigham Yen brings us an update on the second phase of the Medallion Development at 4th and Main.  The new project will potentially include 4 separate 13 story residential towers featuring 400 high end luxury condos/rentals, a 5 story parking structure, a 24,000 square foot movie theater, 38,000 square feet of additional retail space, and 25,000 square feet of public green space.  Construction is slated to begin in late 2015.


7/28/2013 - This Week in Food
Monday: Green Village, a fresh new take on traditional Chinese (Fish in Wine Sauce!) just opened its doors on Ventura, near Firmament.

Two new pizza parlors -- Olio Pizza at Grand Central Market on 3rd and Broadway, and Fresh Brothers Pizza at Franklin and Bronson in Hollywood -- are now serving customers.

Skinny Kitchen, where all plates contain less than 500 calories, has opened its doors on the corner of Lankersham and Magnolia.

Tuesday: The Factory Lofts, on Factory Place near Alameda, will soon receive a new retail tenant in the form of the Factory Kitchen.  The 3,000 square foot fining dining establishment will begin serving in the fall.

Kippy's Raw Organic Coconut Ice Cream is now open on the corner of Lincoln and Rose in Venice.

Wednesday: The Electric Lotus has found a new home at the corner of Hollywood and Vermont.  Meanwhile, Public House has moved its operations to the space next door. 

EMC Seafood, a fancy new seafood restaurant and bar, has opened at 6th and Mariposa.  And they have oyster sliders.  What more do you need?

Thursday: Another high end coffee house/cafe is joining the Arts District lineup.  Stumptown Roastery and Cafe, located on 7th Place and Santa Fe, will open its doors at the end of this year or the beginning of next.

Fat Sal's is now serving its signature sandwiches at the corner of Fountain and Highland.  

Friday: A fantastic new Japanese eatery, by the name of Kimukatsu, is now serving customers at the corner of Mississippi and Sawtelle.


7/22/2013 - This Week in Food

Tuesday: After months of excited anticipation, the LA expansion of Canada based italian restaurant, Terroni, has finally opened.  The chic new dining space is located on the corner of 8th and Spring in Downtown.

The Huntington Apartments Building, at the corner of 8th and Main, will soon welcome a new retail tenant.  Wild Food & Juice, a vegan eatery and juice bar, will make its debut sometime this summer.

A new italian restaurant is currently being planned for the corner of 7th and Hope.  The well designed Vic's on Seventh will open later this year.

Thursday: Little Tokyo based ramen shop, Daikokuya is now serving dinner at Sawtelle and Olympic.

Friday: It looks like that quaint french restaurant on Beverly Glenn, Four Oaks, will soon be reopened.  While an exact date has yet to be announced, the new owners have said that the menu will feature a fantastic selection of fresh farm to table courses.

Bulgaraini Gelato has opened a new kiosk at the Grand Market, and is now serving the happy historic core residents.  Yay!

LACMA has permitted several food karts, including C+M, Haute Dog, and Fullilove BBQ to park on the museum's campus, and service patrons.  Because, let's face it, art looks much better on a full stomach.

Saturday: Artisan market and cafe, Red Bread, is now officially open at Washington and Redwood.


Smart and Final Downtown
7/18/2013 - Brigham Yen announced this morning the grand opening of Smart and Final's downtown location on 9th and Figueroa.  The supermarket's arrival (or return after several decades) brings downtown's grocer count to three.


This Week in Food
7/15/2013 - Lots of new eater openings and announcements this week.

Monday: Atwater's new Village Tavern is officially open for business at Glendale and Larga.

Big news for the Historic Core.  The Medallion mixed use development at 4th and Main will receive six new restaurant tenants - BigMista's BBQ, Cafe Uzes, Raw Juicery, Bountiful Bakery, and D&D Produce, as well as a new unnamed farmer's market.

A new americana style restaurant by the name of Louie's opened today in Mar Vista, at the corner of Venice and Grand View.

Tuesday: Blossom's downtown location is expanding into the next door space at Winston and Main.

Wednesday: The Sunset Marquis Hotel will soon resurrect its ground floor indoor/outdoor restaurant.  The new iteration will be called Cavatina, and will open later this summer.

Thursday: Jist Cafe, a quaint little eatery with an impressive breakfast menu, is now open at 1st and Judge John Aiso Street in Little Tokyo.

The Doughroom, at Overland and Palms, is now officially open.

A new bakery/eatery by the name of Four Cafe is now open at the corner of Maryland and Fairfax.

Little Tokyo's Flying Pig restaurant is gearing up for expansion into the Figat7th Shopping Center at ... 7th and Fig ... later this fall.  Three additional restaurants - Twist and Grill, New Moon Cafe, and Gentaro Soba Noodle - have also been announced.

Phorage is now open at Rose and Overland.

Friday: A new coffee/juice bar, by the name of H Coffee and Juice Bar will soon debut on the corner of Melbourne and Hillhurst

Famous food truck Eggslut will soon get its own brick and mortar space on the corner of 3rd and Broadway at the Grand Central Market.  The eatery will begin service in late August/Early September.

Santa Monica's Blue Plate Oysterette will open its second location on 3rd and Crescent Heigts at the beginning of next year.

Settebello is now open for business on the corner of Maxella and Del Rey.


Bottega Veneta
7/14/2013 - According to The Star, retailer Bottega Veneta has opened a new store on the corner of Melrose, near La Cienega.  The 2,727 square foot space features a carefully curated selection of men and women's leather wear and accessory, and home goods.


Walmart for China Town
7/12/2013 - According to the Downtown News, Walmart will be opening a 34,000 square foot shopping center on the China Town border, at the corner of Caeser Chavez and Grand, in August.  Let the gentrification continue!


Madison Men
7/11/2013 - According to Apparel News, Local Women's clothier chain, Madison, is in the process of developing a men's line to be featured at the new Madison Mens Shop, which will be carved out of the current Madison Space, located on the corner of 3rd and Robertson.  The store is slated to open at the beginning of next month.


Barrell Cafe
7/10/2013 - Curbed brings us word that the historic Barrel Cafe, located at the border of Lankersham and Vineland in North Hollywood,  is about to receive a full restoration.  Originally built in 1941, the bareell shaped building has lain dormant since the early eighties.  Once work is complete, the cafe will pick up right where it left off nearly thirty years ago.


This Week in Food
7/8/2013 - Monday: A new granita bar, Zia Valentina, is now serving customer's at the Original Farmer's Market on 3rd and Fairfax.

The highly anticipated, and much lauded Girasol, on the corner of Moorpark and Tujunga, is finally open for business.

Tuesday: York Valley Market, a local grocer, has taken over a small space at York and Adams in Highland Park.

Wednesday: Nektar Juice Bar is in the process of building out a space for its new Westwood Village location on the corner of Westwood and Lindbrook.

Thursday: To celebrate our nation's birth, Horse Thief, that highly anticipated barbecue cafe located in the Grand Market on 2nd and Broadway, soft opened today to a crowd of hungry 'fourthers'.

Saturday: Nature's Brew, a charming little coffee bar / restaurant at Union and Hoover, is now open.

Urban Radish - Now Open (Seriously)
7/6/2013 - After a false start in May, the highly anticipated indie grocer, Urban Radish, located in the heart of the Arts District on Jesse Street, between Imperial and Mateo, has finally opened its doors.  Owners Carolyn Paxton and Keri Aivazis have carefully curated the market's selection, to ensure that patrons find only the finest (and most interesting) products.  Check it out.

This Week in Food
7/1/2013 - Monday: The owner of West Hollywood's Night + Market will soon launch a second eatery somewhere in Silverlake, near Sunset Junction.

Chef/Artist/God Roy Choi will open 3 Worlds Cafe--essentially an immobile version of Kogi that serves smoothies and coffee, as well as tacos--later this week on the corner of 33rd and Central.

Tuesday: Southern style eatery, Roadside Eats, is gearing up for a summer launch on Hollywood near Vine.

Mari Vanna, that Russian restaurant and bar on Melrose and La Cienega, is finally open for business.

A new bar, by the name of General Lee's, will soon open in China town, on the corner of Bamboo and Hill.

The Medallion Complex, on 4th and Main, welcomes its latest retail tenant, Bigmista's Barbecue, which will open at the beginning of next year.

Wednesday: Construction on a new celtic style restaurant, located at the corner of Palms and Motor, is under way.  The Wild Thistle is currently scheduled to open next month.

Friday: Go Get Em Tiger, a chic new coffee bar concept from the team behind G&B Coffee, opened today on the corner of Beverly and Larchmont.

Work on the new Dr. J's Vibrant Cafe, at the Medallion on 4th and Main, is coming along handsomely.  The eatery is slated to open early next month.

Chefs/Entertainers/Gods Nguyen and Thi Tran have finally found a permanent home for their insanely tasty Starry Kitchen.  Patrons will soon be able to feast on the Nguyen's signature asian fusion dishes Wednesday through Saturday at the Grand Star Jazz Club on Broadway, near 9th.

Lou Admur is teaming up with the owners of Sqirl Cafe, on the corner of Marathon and Virgil in Silverlake, to open Lou's Wine and Provisions, a new gourmet market and wine bar that will act as an annex to the cafe.

This Week in Food Addendum
6/25/2013 - It appears that Plan Check Kitchen + Bar is slated to open soon at the 1111 Wilshire on Bixel.  Thanks to the Downtown News for the update.


This Week in Food
6/24/2013 - Monday: Manhattan based mixologist, Phil Ward, is putting the finishing touches on his latest project, Ebano's Crossing, an upscale bar/lounge scheduled to open later this summer on the corner of 2nd and Hill.

Fairfax Avenue's Fat Dog Gastropub is looking to relocate to North Hollywood in the former Avery Schreiber Theater Space, at Magnolia, near Vineland, later on this year.

Signage for new italian eatery, The Doughroom, went up this week.  The restaurant is currently on track to open in mid july.

Tuesday: Sugarfish is expanding yet again.  It is not yet known when the newest location, at the corner of 1st and La Brea, will open its doors.

Umami, the beloved (local) burger chain, is bringing its signature style to the Arts District, at the corner of 3rd and Traction.  Doors open later this summer.

Thursday: A former dry cleaners, on the corner of Venice and Grand View in Mar Vista, is about to be transformed into an 'old school american' style diner.  The fascinating new concept eatery will reportedly serve dishes laced with honey grown on the restaurants very own roof.  An opening is planned for July 5th.

Friday: Newly constructed wine bar, Vinos Del Valle, on the corner of Eagle Rock's Colorado and Townsend, opened its doors this week.

The brains behind Santa Monica's breakfast joint, Bru's Wiffle, are bringing their menu to Century City in the form of Bru's Counter.  The new eatery will be located on the corner of Santa Monica and Overland, and will launch later this year.

Abbot Kinney's chic new open air seafood restaurant, Salt Air, opened its doors this evening to much acclaim.  Try the lobster rolls, they're delicious.

Signage for a mysterious new eatery market, bearing the name Stamp Gourmet, has appeared on the corner of Avocado and Hillhurst in Los Feliz.  Details are forthcoming.  We hope.


Muji
6/22/2013 - Big news from Curbed.  Muji, world renowned designer of artisanal housewares, plans to open its US flagship store at the former Knitting Factory space, on the corner of Hollywood and Sycamore, later this fall.

Spa for Studio, Leather for Kinney
6/21/2013 - According to webzine Refinery 29, Canadian based accessory designer, Roots, has opened up shop in Venice Beach, at Abbot Kinney and Palms.  Shoppers can expect to find the designer's full line of leather accessories.  In other news, PR Newswire reports that esthetician Sharona Rafaeloff has converted a 3,000 square foot space at the corner of Ventura and Valley Vista in Studio City into a full service spa, complete with a steam room.

This Week in Food

6/17/2013 -

Monday: Green market and deli, Locali Conscious Convenience will soon begin serving Venice residents, on Lincoln and Vernon.  The menu will cater to the vegan inclined, and include stevia sweetened soda.

Lebanese kitchen Open Sesame is in the final phases of taking over the former Eva space at the corner of Beverly and Gower.

Tuesday: Japanese inspired fusion restaurant, Maru, is in the process of relocating from Valencia to the west side, on Wilshire and Carmelina.

Boba champion, Lolly Cup, will open a new store at the corner of Olympic and Sawtelle later this month.  Westsiders rejoice.

Health conscious Atwater Village, is now home to yet another juicer.  The latest entry, appropriately named 'The Juice', is located on Glendale and Madera.  Check it out.

Wednesday: National bakery and cafe chain, Etchea, has announced two new locations in Downtown. The first, located on Figueroa, near 23rd Street, will open in July, while the second, at 3rd and Hope, is scheduled to open in August.

Thursday: A chic looking vietnamese restaurant by the name of Phorage, is preparing to take over the old Chego space at National and Overland.

Friday: A new restaurant on the westside, by the name of Flores, opened its doors to much acclaim.  The upscale menu promises a more creative farm to table experience.

Eagle Rocke welcomed its newest dining addition, Little Beast, to the corner of Colorado and Lolita.  The restaurant serves modern american cuisine.


This Week in Food
6/12/2013 - Fresh off the Eater Grill:

Monday: Valencia based Maru, a farm to table sushi bar of sorts, has relocated to our very own LA, on the corner of Wilshire and Carmelina.

Just in time for summer, a new 'shaved-icery', by the name of Chilly Ribbon, has landed in the Village at Lindbrook and Westwood.

A new Fresh Brothers Pizza is coming to the Hollywood / Little Armenia border, on Bronson, near Franklin.

Tuesday: Yet another Ramen joint, Hakata Ramen Shin-Sen-Gumi, has joined the fray, and opened its doors at Santa Monica and Sawtelle.

USC will soon receive a new neighbor in the form of Nature's Brew, a small cafe and coffee bar at the corner of 24th and South Union.

Thursday: A new sushi bar, by the name of Q Sushi, is slated to open soon on the north east corner of 7th and Grand.

National candy store chain Sugar Factory will soon open store number seven at Hollywood and Highland.

Friday: Word is that Mari Vanna, a long anticipated russian restaurant, will finally open its doors later this month.

Macy's Plaza Reborn
6/7/2013 - Blogger Brigham yen reported yesterday on developer Ratkovich's $241 million dollar acquisition of Macy's Plaza at 7th and Flower.  Among other things, the developer plans to renovate the existing entrance, and add an additional floor of retail.  More news to follow.


Eater News
6/3/2013 - Tuesday: Rocky Mountain Pizzeria, Setebello, will soon debut its second California location, at the corner of Maxella and Glencoe.  The crust is fantastic.

The owner of Tiara Cafe recently opened a sandwich shop, D'elish, right next door, on the corner of 9th and Los Angeles.

Wednesday: That tasty bakery and cafe, Lemonade, is coming to Studio City, on the corner of Venutra and Rhodes.  A July opening is planned.

Thursday: A fascinating new concept eatery by the name of Azla, has recently taken over the space previously occupied by Mochica at the corner of 37th and Grand.  The restaurant serves authentic vegan ethiopian cuisine.  Definitely worth a try.

Abbot Kinney, at 5th, received a new neighbor last week in the form of Kreation Kafe & Juicery.  As one would assume, the eatery caters towards the vegan/organic/healthy side of Venice Beach.

Little Tokyo native, ramen shop Daikokuya, has found a new home at Olympic and Sawtelle, which is slated to open at month's end.

Friday: A new sushi bar, by the name of Sushi Sasabone, has joined the westside, at Wilshire and Amacost.  The eatery promises traditional sushi fare, of which one can never have too much.


Mo Mohawkery in Silverlake
6/1/2013 - Racked reports that the owners of Mohawk General Store, a fashion boutique in Silverlake, just opened a second store, dedicated to men's fashion and appropriately christened 'Mohawk Man', only a couple doors away at the corner of Santa Monica and Sunset.  Check it out.


Zara
5/30/2013 - This spring has been an exciting one for Downtown fashion.  First there was the opening of Ross on Broadway, then we heard about Brooks Brothers at the Jonathan Club on Figueroa, which was followed by news of Acne Studios leasing a space at the Eastern Columbia on 8th Street, and most recently we learned that Urban Outfitters will soon occupy the Rialto Theater.  Now, the LA Times brings us word that Zara has signed a 27,000 square foot lease at the Figat7th Shopping Center, and plans to open up shop early next year!  Can you say gentrification?



This Week in Food
5/27/2013 - News from Eater this week:

Tuesday: The US Bank Tower's Mezzanine will soon receive a new tenant in the form of upscale coffee shop, The Barista Society, which opens its doors tomorrow.

Wednesday: Newcomer True Burger has taken over the old Umami Space on the corner of 9th and La Brea, and by the looks of it, the restaurant appears intent on maintaining the Umami tradition.

A new grilled cheese sandwich shop, going by Greenspan's Grilled Cheese, is prepping a debut for the middle of the summer on Melrose and Vista.

Friday: Maddy's Sweet and Savory Cafe, a vegan eatery, will soon open up shop on Pico and Westwood

A classy new sushi bar, by the name of Cho Oishi, has just opened on Hollywood and Highland, just south of the Hollywood Bowl.  The classy restaurants boast both an impressive menu of japanese fusion food, and a fantastic decor.


Bunker Hill Bar and Grill
5/26/2013 - Brigham Yen reports that the One Bunker Hill Office Building, at the corner of 5th and Grand, will soon receive a posh new sports bar on its second floor.  The Bunker Hill Bar and Grill will take up 3,400 square feet, and will feature a 1,000 square foot patio for outdoor dining.


Condos and Retail for K-Town
5/22/2013 - According to Curbed, the abandoned lot at Wilshire and Hobart may very well soon see some action in the form of a massive mixed use development, featuring 378 condos and 8,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space.  The project is currently at the mercy of the LA Planning Department which is reviewing the proposed plan, and will issue a decision shortly.


Blossom Plaza is Back
5/21/2013 - Back in February, it was announced that construction would soon commence on the long dormant Blossom Plaza project.  Finally, after years of waiting, ground was finally broken for the development at the corner of 9th and Broadway.  The Downtown News has more on the story here.



This Week in Food
5/20/2013 - It is time once again for a recap of the week's 'eatery and drinkery' openings, courtesy of LA Eater:

Monday: A Sherman Oaks shopping center, located at Ventura and Hazletine will soon feature expansions of BOTH Mendocino Farms, and Islands Fine Burgers and Drinks.

Tuesday: Having finished work on Chego's, Entrepreneur/Chef/God Roy Choi has begun concentrating his efforts on The Line, a fancy new bar and restaurant at Wilshire and Normandie.  Meanwhile, at Ventura and Noble, Blue Jam Cafe celebrated the opening of its first extension.

Wednesday: A wonderful new vegan eatery, going by the name of Dr. J's Vibrant Cafe, will soon open on the corner of 4th and Main, in the heart of the old bank district.  The all organic menu will feature gluten free items as well.  In other news, a somewhat mysterious eatery named Roadside is slated to open this fall at the Dome Theater on Sunset and Vine.  Also, it appears that La Brea will soon see yet another bakery in the form of Twist, located near 4th.

Thursday: The Lucky Tiki, a newly announced bar and restaurant, will soon open its doors at Venice and Overland.

Friday: It appears that salad champion Tender Greens will soon open new expansions in both Marina Del Rey and Westwood.  Also, Eaglerock's Four Cafe is prepping an expansion for the recently vacated Black Cat Bakery space on Fairfax, near 6th.


Ross for Midtown Crossing
5/18/2013 - According to Racked, the Midtown Crossing Shopping Center located on Pico, near San Vincente, will soon receive a new addition to its lineup in the form of discount clothier Ross.  The retailer is currently in the process of moving in, and should open up shop any day now.


Asian Fusion, Tacos, a Little Italian, and Some Steak
5/13/2013 - LA Eater's week in review yields some exciting info on several new restaurant openings.  First up is Stella Barra, a high end italian sit-down by chef/genius/god Jeff Mahin (Stella Rosa), located on Sunset and Vine, where fresh farmers market ingredients garnish hand crafted pizza.  Next in line is Petty Cash, a charming new taqueria and bar on Beverly and Fuller.  Then there's the announcement that Chipotle's asian fusion cousin, Shop House Kitchen, will be opening up shop in Westwood Village on Broxton.  Finally, it appears that the owners of Coral Tree Cafe will be opening a new Steakhouse at San Vicente and Barrington.


Eat, Drink, and Open
5/8/2013 - This last week has been a busy one for food + drink openings in our beloved city.  LA Eater brings us the following:  First up is Village Tavern, a well decorated barbacoa gastropub in the heart of Atwater Village, on Edenhurst and Glendale, which opened last week.  Next in line comes Donut Friend, a gourmet donut shop by former punk rock producer Mark Trombino, springing up on York and Avenue 51.  Then there is Blue C Sushi, the latest addition to the sunset strip--between Vine and Cahuenga, to be specific.  Downtowner indian foodies were no doubt excited on Monday for the grand opening of Badmaash on 2nd and Main.  And lets not forget the Scratch Bar, on the corner of Hollywood and La Brea, which saw its first soft open yesterday.  Rounding out the week is an announcement that Valerie Gordon will be opening another bakery at Lucretia and Echo Park Avenue.  Last, but certainly not least, is news that Cedd Moses will soon open BOTH a 17,000 square foot pizza parlor and brewery on Traction Avenue, near 4th Place, AND a modern speakeasy, christened Honeycut, beneath the O'Hotel at 7th and Flower.


City Park, Hollywood and Wine
5/7/2013 - According to the Downtown News, the City is in negotiations to purchase the vacant lot just west of City Hall, at 1st and Broadway, and transform it into a park.  Good news for a street that is already rapidly exchanging its decaying buildings for shiny new residential and retail developments.  In other news Los Angeles Magazine reports that the Hollywood Bowl will soon receive a new addition in the form of a Patina Wine Bar, slated to open sometime next month.


Chego in Chinatown
5/5/2013 - Kogi's taco truck owner, Roy Choi, has finally reopened his famed fusion restaurant, Chego, this time in the heart of Chinatown on Broadway and Alpine.  Check it out when you get a chance.  You won't be dissapointed.  Thanks to the Downtown News for the tip.


Eater News
4/29/2013 - Eater has information on a host of new openings for us.  First, The Salon at Heirloom, a ritzy new wine bar and restaurant at York and Verdugo, is finally ready to open its doors to public.  Next in line is Twist, a bakery / cafe on La Brea and 3rd which, we are told, will open later this weekend.  Third is an announcement that G&B Coffee will open a new branch inside Grand Central Market, sandwiched between Broadway and Hill on 3rd Street.  Fourth is information on the opening of Sonny's Hideaway, a gorgeous restaurant and bar, on York and Avenue 52 of all places.  Then there is news that a Chic-Fil-A is coming to Le Conte and Westwood.  And, finally, the super blog sheds light on a mystery restaurant opening inside of Nordstrom at The Grove.  Whew.


Food News
4/25/2013 - Probably the biggest news day ever for foodies in LA:

First, Eater announced the impending opening / expansion of not one, not two, but five--count em', F-I-V-E--new LA restaurants: Tsukita L.A. Artisan Noodles Annex at Mississippi and Sawtelle, Hambone's BBQ at Belmont and Bellflower, Badmaash at 2nd and Main, SQIRL at Marathon and Virgil, and The Bank of Venice Public House and Gastropub at Windward and Pacific.

Then Hayley Fox, over at Blogdowntown, announced the opening of Peddler's Creamery at 4th and Main.

And finally, Brighman Yen, at DTLA Rising, told us about Plan Check Kitchen and Sweet Cream, which will both open shortly at the new project on Wilshire and Bixel.

Yum.


Coffee and Pastries Announced for Grand Central Market
4/21/2013 - The Times reports that a second vendor has been announced for the retail space portion of Grand Central Market.  Valerie Confections, a pastry and coffee shop by Valerie Gordon of farmer market fame, will soon begin serving market patrons from 8 A.M. - 3 P.M. daily.



Mixed Use Projects Get Off the Ground
4/17/2013 - Big news from Curbed on two mixed use projects.  The blog reports that Developer Fifteen Group has announced construction dates for both the Morton Village Project, located on Morton Avenue in Echo Park, and the Coffee Table Project at Rowena and Avenel in Silverlake.  The first will break ground in May, and the second in September.


Mid City Goodies
4/15/2013 - Two new dessert centric eateries are poised to open soon.  Milk Jar Cookies, an old style bakery and teahouse located at Wilshire and Cochran, will open its doors tomorrow morning at 11:00.  Meanwhile, the owners of Toast Bakery Cafe, located 8221 West 3rd Street, are preparing to launch their sweet shop, Leave Room For Dessert, next door.  Thanks to Eater for the heads up.


Tacos, Baby.  Tacos.
4/9/2013 - LA Eater reports on exciting bit of news for foodies.  After a sad shutdown, the owners of Henry's Tacos of Studio City fame, have decided to grant the taqueria a second birth, at a new location on the corner of Moorpark and Tujunga.  Que vive el taco.


Mr. Baguette on Figueroa
4/8/2013 - LA Eater reports that a new Mr. Baguette, the bakery and deli known for delicious Vietnamese sandwiches and soup, has opened downtown on 4th and Figueroa.


4/5/2013 - According to LA Weekly, Grand Central Market, located on 3rd Street, between Broadway and Hill, just received its first restaurant - tenant in the form of chef Johnny Lee's Sticky Rice, an original fusion inspired Thai Bar with a kick.  Check it out when you get a chance.


Veggies for Encino, Beer for Wilshire
4/4/2013 - Today, LA Eater announced the opening of two new restaurants.  Veggie Grill, located on Ventura Boulevard in Encino,  offers a green friendly menu, and is now open for both lunch and dinner.  Brewdog Pub will offer fifty different taps of craft beer, as well as a modern menu of Japanese fusion, when it opens its doors next Wednesday.

Bowling, Little Tokyo Style
3/31/2013 - According to the Los Angeles Downtown News, a new entertainment center, featuring an arcade, bowling alley, sports bar, and pizzeria, is coming to the southwest corner of Little Tokyo, on Alameda.  The center will cater to both tourists, as well as the large influx of new arts district residents.


Three New Restaurants Coming Next Month
3/29/2013 - According to LA Eater, The Doughroom, a Mediterranean and Italian influenced fusion restaurant will be replacing Kristina's Italian Kitchen on the corner of Palms and Overland.  Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Downtown News reports that a new Mendocino Farms location will be opening at the Figat7th food court, and that a new 1920's style restaurant is planned for the corner of 2nd and Hill.


Thai Food on Broadway
3/25/2013 - Today, LA Eater reported on the opening of Sticky Rice, a new thai cuisine cafe on 3rd and Broadway. The restaurant is currently serving authentic thai food for lunch, with a dinner menu soon to come.


Brooks Brothers Back in Town
3/21/2013 - The Los Angeles Downtown News reports that Brooks Brothers will open a new store on Figueroa, between 5th and 6th.  The famed retailer's advent is yet another pivotal milestone in the transformation of Downtown from an island of professional office space to a mixed use metropolis.

Rumored - New Target Store to Open Near 101
3/19/2013 - According to LA Curbed, Target's logo has appeared at an old strip mall on the corner of Sunset and Western, near the 101.  While the chain has been planning a store at the location for years, fierce local opposition has frustrated development.  Let's hope that the new logo proves prophetic, as a quality department store such as Target could be exactly what is needed to revitalize one of Hollywood's most dilapidated sections.


Ronen's Crossroads Opens on Melrose
3/17/2013 - LA's much lauded chef and entrepreneur, Tal Ronen, has opened yet another fine dining establishment--this one located on Melrose, near Crescent Heights.  Crossroads features an exquisite and well crafted menu that caters to both vegan and gluten intolerant alike.  Head over to LA Weekly for more information.


New Gastropub Opens in Downtown
3/15/2013 - DTLA Rising reports that a new Gastropub has opened up on the ground floor of the PE Lofts at 6th and Main.  For now, the pub is open for dinner until 2 AM every night, and will begin serving lunch soon.

New Development on Corner of Olympic and Hill
3/12/2013 - Curbed LA reports that a new mixed use development will soon appear on the northwest corner of Olympic and Hill.  The seven story project will be designed by TCA Architects, and will include 281 residential units, three creative live/work spaces, and 15,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor.  If all goes according to plan, the project will open in the early summer of next year.

Swanky New Restaurant on Third
3/10/2013 - This week, the LA/BH border received yet another fabulous addition to its farm to table lineup.  Sporting a modern fusion menu, Goldie's is currently open for lunch, with dinner soon to follow.  Head over to LA Eater for more information.


Ross on Broadway
3/9/2013 - This morning, discount clothier Ross opened its downtown location at 719 South Broadway.  The arrival of discount stores like Ross demonstrates, in more ways than one, just how residential friendly the area is becoming.


Sprinkles
3/6/2013 - This morning, at long last, Sprinkles opened the doors to its downtown store, located on Figueroa and 7th.  Hallelujah!


Fatburger on Figueroa
3/4/2013 - At long last, burger chains have found their way into downtown.  Yesterday, after over a month of psyching out the public with false starts, Fatburger downtown finally opened its doors.  Located at 888 South Figueroa, the much lauded burger chain will, undoubtedly, help to keep all of that juice cleansing in check.

Stylish Italian Restaurant Opens Downtown
3/3/2013 - A new addition to Downtown's restaurant scene opened its doors last week.  Black Book reports that Casa Notra, located at 825 West 9th Street, really delivers in both selection and ambience.  Check it out, and leave your thoughts on Yelp.

Chic New Bar Opens in Korea Town
2/28/2013 - Yesterday, LA Eater announced the opening of Lock & Key, a chic new 1920s influenced bar, at 239 South Vermont Avenue.  For those familiar with the area, a high-end speakeasy may be the last thing that anyone would have anticipated.  The almost bizarre contrast is unavoidable.  But then again, that may be exactly what the owners intended.  There is no such thing as bad publicity.

Location Confirmed for Rao's LA
2/24/2013 - LA Eater reports that management has has finally decided on a location for the Los Angeles version of Rao's, one of Harlem's oldest and most well known Italian eateries.  The new restaurant will be located at 1006 Seward Street, between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue.  The intercity expansion of boutique restaurants and retailers is welcome news for the local economy.

Fashion District Project Moves Forward
2/21/2013 - Yesterday, the Los Angeles Department of City Planning published a notice of preparation of an environmental impact report and scoping meeting for the massive redevelopment project planned for the fashion district.  The project will encompass almost the entirety of the property located between 9th, 12th, San Julian, and San Pedro Street.  It is anticipated that the project will take nearly thirty years and, once completed, will feature 945 residential units, up to 210 hotel rooms, 294,641 square feet of industrial, office, and medical space, 224,862 square feet of retail space, and 312,112 square feet of educational campus floor area.  The scoping meeting is currently scheduled for March 6th, and comments may be submitted for formal consideration until March 22nd.

Market Lofts Sold
2/19/2013 - Today, the CIM Group, one of the first developers to capitalize on the Los Angeles Adaptive Reuse Ordinance of 1999, announced that it has sold the Market Lofts, located on 9th Street, between Hope and Flower.  The 55,000 square foot property houses 267 condominiums, over 6 retail spaces, and a Ralphs Supermarket.  For many, this sale marks a turning point for the Los Angeles economy, and signals a symbolic end to the recession that has plagued the downtown real estate market for the past five years.

Bludso's BBQ Now on La Brea
2/18/2013 - This afternoon, the much lauded Bludso's of Compton comes to La Brea, just south of Hollywood border.  LA Weekly reports that, thanks to the new location's previous occupants, this version of Bludso's will hold a type 47 license, which will allow it to sell hard liquor as well as beer.  It is anticipated that the new location will perform very well, possibly outpacing its Compton sister before long.  The ambitious move is yet another indicator of the LA economy's gaining momentum, and the vitality of local small business.

Tommy Hilfiger Comes to Los Angeles
2/16/2013 - On Wednesday, world renowned Thomas Jacob Hilfiger celebrated the opening of his new flagship retail store, located on the corner of Robertson and Beverly.  The 6,600 squarefoot space will showcase the designer's latest fashions.  Examiner.com reports that several celebrities, including Alicia Keyes, Olivia Munn, and Ed Westwick were in attendance.  Not too shabby at all.

New Retailer Comes to The Grove
2/14/2013 - This afternoon, Topshop will open their very first Los Angeles store at The Grove Mall, located at the corner of Fairfax Avenue and Third Street.  The Los Angeles Times reports that the opening will be accompanied by food, live music, and celebrity guest appearances.  Topshop is one of the world's largest and well known British retailers.  It specializes in high end clothing, shoes, accessories, and cosmetics.

Crepes in Westwood
2/10/2013 - A new cafe opened up in Westwood over the weekend between Le Conte Avenue and Wayburn Avenue.  According to LA Weekly, the owner, Mickey Fathi, worked at Habibi Cafe, located next door, for over ten years before branching out on his own.  "The cafe serves sweet and savory crepes, pastries, panini and boasts a deli case with salads, meats and cheeses."  Yelp reviews are sparse so, when you get a chance, head over to the cafe, order a crepe, and share your opinion.

Millennium Hollywood Project Presses Forward
2/7/2013 - According to CBS Local, on Tuesday, Millennium Partners submitted the findings of a fiscal study detailing the projected impact of its acclaimed Millennium Hollywood Project.  The study follows an environmental impact report released in October of last year.  While public hearings are still underway, several prominent business leaders have endorsed the project, and its future looks bright.  Once completed, the project will boast a staggering 492 residential units, 200 luxury hotel units, 215,000 square feet of office space, 34,000 square feet of restaurant space, 35,100 square feet of sports club space, 15,000 square feet of commercial retail space, and approximately 2,000 parking spaces.  Additionally, it is projected that the project will create 2,915 construction jobs, and 1,257 permanent new jobs.  The project reinforces a positive outlook for L.A.'s economy, and its success will undoubtedly help to spur future growth and development.

Construction on Blossom Plaza to Begin This Summer
2/5/2013 - The Los Angeles Downtown News is reporting that, after nearly five years in suspension, the long awaited Blossom Plaza Project may finally see the light of day.  One of many projects that stalled as a result of the recession, Blossom Plaza has become a symbol of economic stagnation, and so, news of its return bodes well for the future of Los Angeles. If all goes according to plan, the mixed use development, with an estimated combined total of 240 residential, retail, and restaurant spaces, will open its doors in 2015.  It is anticipated that the development contract, which was originally awarded to Bond Chinatown Ventures, will be awarded to Forest City, a national firm that has completed large-scale developments in nine states (including California), with ongoing development in nineteen others.

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