SANTA MONICA—Changes underway at the former Anisette, soon to become The Misfit. Check out the newly papered over windows. [EaterWire]
WEHO— For those who have passed by Tender Greens in West Hollywood and noticed that "closed until January 10" sign, fear not this was only a temporary shutter due to a floor repair. The restaurant will, in fact, reopen on January 10. [EaterWire]
CENTURY CITY— From the tip line: "Not that this is earth shattering news, but the Vista Café on the ground level of the MGM Tower in Century City (10250 Constellation Ave.) shuttered quite suddenly on Tuesday. Unconfirmed word has it that they were unable to pay their rent (in this notoriously over-priced building) the last three months. It was never great food, but consistently OK enough – and convenient for tenants here (especially in the rain). Their other Century City location (1925 Century Park East) remains open." [Eater Inbox]
Take a gander at this pretty little big thing. Welcome to Malo's grown-up self, Mas Malo, a two floor modern Mexican oasis tucked into the ground floor of a former jewelry store dating back to 1923. Big ups to designer Tracy Beckmann of Tracy Beckmann Design (the Tar Pit) who infuses the space with history and allure, drawing inspiration from Mexico City and urban downtown LA. On the restaurant's main ground-level floor notice the gorgeous original vaulted 1920s ceiling and marble floors, toward the back there's a cantina with full bar, fun hanging wicker chairs, comfy sofas, plus a fireplace. And while it's not open just yet, owners Mitchell Frank and Jeff Ellermeyer also built a private tequila tasting room located in the jewelry store’s original back vault.
Welcome back to Dining On A Dime a bi-weekly feature in which Lizbeth Scordo surveys LA's cheap eats—often obscure, ethnic, unsung restaurants—proving that dining on a dime is alive, well, and quite tasty in this here city. Where do you think she should go next? Drop us a line.
The first thing you'll notice about QBowl Quality Teriyaki Bowl (a redundant name, for sure, but the official one) is the clean factor. Even the kitchen, which customers can see through a glass cutout behind the cash register, looks as spic-and-span as they come. When I ask the sole front-of-the-house employee when the restaurant opened, I expect her to say "last Tuesday," but it's actually been eight months.
OMG, even more news from team Umami. But, before even touching on that, here's a quick recap of current projects. After Umami's early 2009 debut, now, less than two years later, LA boasts four locations (Santa Monica, Hollywood, Los Feliz, La Brea) and a truck, with a fifth Umami in Studio City expected to open around January 25. Just a few weeks ago Umami wizard Adam Fleischmanopened Red Medicine in Beverly Hills with partners Jordan Kahn and Noah Ellis, and let's not forget about 800°, the new Naples-style pizzeria coming to Westwood within the next few months (construction is about to begin). But wait, there's much more. Fleischman has designed an eco-friendly fast casual Umami prototype which will launch around the country serving a limited menu (he's received offers to go international as well). But back on home turf, hitting downtown, comes Umamicatessen, opening at 9th and Broadway in the Orpheum Lofts.
Bet you're wondering what stupid shit the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine — the headline-grabbing vegan propaganda group — has been up to lately? Well after declaring the worst, unhealhiest cookbooks of 2010, they're now suing the USDA for violating "federal law by failing to respond to a PCRM petition offering a simple, plant-based alternative" to the meaty food pyramid. [Orland Sentinel via -E-]
Up above, the new quarters for Carmela Ice Cream, scooping Monday. After three years of selling seasonal, artisan ice cream at local farmers markets and a few specialty shops around town (Locali), co-owners Jessica Mortarotti and Zachary Cox are ready to launch their small ice cream boutique, which will also sell a few other sweets from local purveyors Valerie Confections, Sugarbird Teas & Sweets, and Blue Cupcake. As far as design, not much going on, just a service counter, a chalkboard to list the daily flavors, plus a refrigerated case for cups and pints to-go.
·Carmela Ice Cream Launches Both Storefront and Truck [~ELA~]
Unfortunately, some of the commenters called this one. Surviving financial difficulties and over 20 years on Fairfax, Mani's caves three months in to its new Beverly Hills home. So sad. Late last year owner Larry Maiman chose to relocate his health-centric cafe and bakery from its original smallish home on Fairfax to a significantly more spacious retreat on Maple in Beverly Hills. Within the former outlet for Patina's Paperfish, Mani's changed its name from Mani's on Fairfax to Mani's on Maple, introducing a new fresh fruit cocktail program, expanded menu, and future plans to add a separate bakery area.
And the newest Pinkberry flavor is...blood orange. Swirling today, pop by for a cup topped with blood orange slices, fresh blood orange puree and a waffle cookie. [EaterWire]
More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? Restaurant obsessives want to know what's new, what's hot, which favorite chef just launched a sophomore effort (what's going on Vinny and Jon?). And while the Eater 38 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the 'it' places of the moment. Thus, we offer the Eater Heat Map, which will change continually to always highlight where the foodie crowds are flocking to at the moment.
1/7: Added: Red Medicine, Eveleigh, Hostaria del Piccolo Have any suggestions? Any vital omissions? Leave 'em in the comments.
BURBANK— The fast-casual salad news never stops. Tomorrow Vice-Mayor of Burbank, Jess Talamantes, helps usher in Chop Stop, a chopped salad experience. Why butcher that salad? Because "when you chop a salad so fine you can eat it with a spoon the flavors of the ingredients combine together in every bite for a taste explosion." Check out the full menu here, head over tomorrow for some freebies. [EaterWire]
BEVERLY HILLS— On Monday Red Medicine kicked off lunch, now offered Monday-Friday. In a few weeks service will extend to weekends as well. [EaterWire]
CANOGA PARK— A month and a half post launch, LA Creamery's culinary director, Jessica Goryl, has departed "due to professional differences." [Feast]
As reported earlier today, executive chef and owner of LGO Hospitality, Bob Lynn, has gained control of the shuttered Anisette on Santa Monica Blvd. PR for LGO was reluctant to share details on the venue's next incarnation, though after some digging, according to a GM at The Luggage Room in Pasadena, Anisette will reopen as The Misfit, a breakfast, lunch, and dinner place with an additional late night menu serving past bar-time eats. A much needed addition to the west side, sorry Swingers. The menu has yet to be decided, and decor was described as "trendy." Developing...
·Bob Lynn of LGO Hospitality Takes Over Anisette in SM [~ELA~]
There's still time left in the day to score a free burger from Fatburger (7450 Santa Monica Blvd.). The chain has partnered with a new food-centric show on FOX called Bob's Burgers, and through January 21 WeHo's Fatburger is transformed into Bob's Burgers. Today come by for a gratis “Thanks a Brunch Burger,” (a medium Fatburger topped with bacon and egg) an item that will grace the menu through February 28. Here's another coupon for future use. [EaterWire]