BLACKBURN AND SWEETZER

So, the Souplantation relocated to a spot beneath the parking structure in the Beverly Connection. Can we talk for a second about how massive this place is? I couldn’t even capture it in the images! It’s f*cking ginormous. Now, I’ve never eaten there, so this isn’t even a criticism, but I can’t imagine wanting that [...]

[Read more →]

Nothing has changed in the former Zen Grill space for some time,  but, finally, there is some change to the vacated structure. It’s been torn apart inside! Though the kitchen still seems to be intact, at least from the vantage point of the front window. And, you’ll note, the space has been leased via the [...]

[Read more →]

I’ve mentioned that Panini Cafe is coming into the old Splash spa space at West 3rd and Crescent Heights. Learned via the posted sign below that the space will be two levels, the top will be office spaces and the bottom will be the restaurant. Also, it has incorporated the old Fifty’s Furniture retail space.

[Read more →]

Despite a cab running into it a week ago, Quality Food & Beverage  was open for business this weekend.  The did a quick and temporary fix to the front and posted a cheeky sign, and the place was bustling as usual.

[Read more →]

The old Splash spa/hot tubbing space has been sitting not-so-pretty for ages, but they’re finally starting to gut the place with the Panini Cafe coming in.

[Read more →]

Holy shit! A stolen cab crashed into Quality Food & Beverage on West 3rd Street. The two assailants stole the cab (keys left in the ignition) and then went on a crime spree robbing three businesses, ending through the front of Quality. Check the story here.

[Read more →]

I’ve been meaning to post about my dinner at Simon LA at the Sofitel hotel at La Cienega and Beverly Boulevard. They have a farmer’s market menu on Wednesdays—this particular Wednesday included antpasti (olive oil crostini and fava puree, burrata with arugula pesto and heirloom tomatoes, California prosciutto and wood oven roasted olives), grilled pacific [...]

[Read more →]

Kiss My Bundt seems to be coming along. Unlike other cafes, restaurants, etc in the area that have developed at a snail’s pace, the sweet spot has continued steady construction inside (below pic is from July 5), and recently got an awning.

[Read more →]

Alfredo’s, that cafe on West 3rd Street just west of Sweetzer, is now Mira’Le with a bright new orange banner and umbrellas to match. Haven’t taste-tested, but, then again, my only Alfredo’s experience was with a latte.

[Read more →]

The husband and I have finally learned to get to Hirozen early, somewhere between 6:00PM-7:00PM, on a non-Thursday, -Friday, or -Saturday night. Even by Wednesday at 7:30PM the place was packed, as was the parking lot. How many of these people do you think live in walking distance?

[Read more →]

Natura now has tables and chairs. We’ll see how long it takes to get staff and some Mediterranean food in the joint.

[Read more →]

A pricey fruit stand of sorts, Èple—owned by Pinkberry—has opened at the Farmers Market at The Grove. It sells fruit bowls, fruit juices, fancy fruit sandwiches, fruit butter, fruity honey and other fruit-infused or -based items. I got a mango-ginger-honey-lemon (I’m pretty sure that’s the concoction) juice, which was close to $4. Expensive? Yes. But [...]

[Read more →]