Taking over the former Anisette Brasserie space is The Misfit. The all-day menu of American fare features dishes like Yankee pot roast and pan-roasted king crab legs. The Misfit, The Clock Tower, 225 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401, 310-656-9800.
Craig Susser, former maître d' and general manager of Dan Tana's, is behind the Melrose Avenue restaurant Craig's. The American and Italian dishes range from shrimp cocktail and meatballs, to pizzas, chops and steaks. The full menu is offered at the bar. Craig’s, 8826 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90069, 310-276-1900.
New York's 80-year-old iconic hot dog spot, Papaya King, has opened a brick and mortar location on Hollywood and Wilcox (thanks to sbe) On offer are classic hot dogs (a favorite of Anthony Bourdain) and the signature papaya drink. Papaya King, 1645 Wilcox Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028, 323-871-8799.
Chef/owner David Lentz has opened his third Hungry Cat seafood restaurant in Santa Monica Canyon. The airy spot sports blue, grey and white tones, a raw bar and a cocktail bar that turns out similar handcrafted concoctions as the Hollywood and Santa Barbara locations. Expect oysters, caviar and lobster, as well as fluke ceviche, cured arctic char, grilled octopus with roasted grapes, Alaskan halibut with black trumpet mushrooms, and grilled whole snapper. Dinner nightly. The Hungry Cat, 100 W Channel Rd., Santa Monica, CA 90402, 310-459-3337.
Spinning off its original Montrose spot, the canine-friendly Fat Dog Gastropub has now opened on Fairfax. Bring your pooch to ogle the dog artwork amid sleek surroundings; customers can even hang pictures of their own dogs near the bathroom. Expect a menu similar to the original with items like upscale salads, gourmet burgers, sandwiches (think house-cured salmon with shaved fennel and horseradish cream) and, of course, hot dogs. Find a good selection of wine and beer on tap; handcrafted cocktails range from the "tailwagger" to the "French bulldog kiss." The Fat Dog Gastropub, 801 N. Fairfax Ave. , Los Angeles, CA 90046, 323-951-0030.
The newly re-opened Malibu Inn has snagged "Top Chef" alum Angelo Sosa as consulting chef, and he's dishing up specialties like grilled swordfish with tomato tapenade, lobster roll, smoked pork ribs, local mussels and popcorn shrimp. The historic spot dates back to the 1920s, and was previously run by Neil Young (as the Crazy Horse Saloon); the new vibe is updated but still vintage rock n' roll. The Malibu Inn, 22969 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, CA 90265, 310-456-1160.
The hybrid donut will soon have a home at Fonuts in the former Kiss my Bundt space on West 3rd Street. Debuting June 3, (National Donut Day), the coffee shop will feature the innovative baked sweet and savory concoctions of pastry chef Waylynn Lucas (The Bazaar by José Andrés, Patina) and partner Nancy Truman. Fonuts, 8104 W. Third St., Los Angeles, CA 90048, no phone yet.
Culver City's Gyenari is officially closed, but its replacement, MoKo, debuted April 26 and now blends the synergy of Chris Heyman (Table 8, 8 oz.), renowned Chef Gary Robins (NYC's Russian Tea Room) and restaurateur Will Shin. Their vision of modern Korean social dining includes handcrafted cocktails, soju and sake with "cocktail-friendly" small plates like pan-fried duck and foie gras potstickers with sour cherry dipping sauce, and kimchi Jeon with apple, smoked bacon, green onion and crisp pork belly. MoKo, 9540 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232, 310-838-3131.
After closing their upscale Riverside restaurant, Omakase, Brein Clements and wife Roryann have resurfaced as chef and general manager, respectively, at The Salted Pig, a new gastropub in Riverside. The talented Clements will turn his attention to dishes like foie gras in a jar, upmarket deviled eggs, flatbreads, steamed mussels, and pork belly and beans. The restaurant is open for lunch Monday through Friday, dinner Monday through Saturday, and for brunch on Sunday. The kitchen will be open until midnight Monday through Saturday. The Salted Pig, 3700 12th St., Riverside, CA 92501, 951-848-4020.
Toluca Lake has an incredibly eclectic dining scene, and now it's got a Chipotle Mexican Grill, which opened April 30 at the corner of Riverside Drive and Pass Avenue. Unlike most fast-food restaurants, Chipotle supports family farmers---this one sources herbs from Herbthyme Farms in Pico Rivera---as part of its "Food with Integrity" pledge from founder/CEO Steve Ells. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily. Chipotle Mexican Grill, 4012 W. Riverside Dr., Burbank. Lunch & Dinner Daily.
Adolfo Suaya's BoHo closed its doors at the original Sunset and Ivar location on February 13, but the restaurant has re-opened at the Hollywood and Highland complex. The new space created by architect David Mamman features an interior by Kristopher Keith. Former The Bazaar by Jose Andres sous chef Wesley Pumphrey joins the team as executive chef, creating menu additions such as veal sweetbread with gorgonzola bread pudding, bourbon-glazed pork belly with homemade baked beans, and strawberry shortcake with balsamic-macerated berries and vanilla cream. BoHo, 6801 Hollywood Blvd #411, Los Angeles, CA 90028, 323-465-8500.
West Hollywood restaurateur Greg Morris (The Spanish Kitchen, The Belmont, Oakfire Pizzeria & Pub) is opening a second Oakfire Pizzeria & Pub in Sherman Oaks. The concept showcases pizza baked over walnut or mesquite at 800 degrees, along with sandwiches, pastas and entrées like chicken parmigiana. Deep-dish, Chicago-style pizza is also offered. The Sherman Oaks location features new items such as a trio of sliders with brie and truffles, Cajun baby back ribs, ahi tuna burger with portabello mushroom "fries," wood-fired plank salmon with truffle-mashed potatoes, smoked brisket enchiladas, and filet mignon with cognac beurre blanc. Oakfire Pizzeria & Pub, 13359 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423, 818-205-9306.
Chefs Steve Samson and Zach Pollack, previously from Pizzeria Ortica in the OC, have opened Sotto on Pico Boulevard in the former Test Kitchen space. Southern Italian regional dishes include tomato-braised octopus; goat ragu with egg and Pecorino; and fresh handmade pastas, salumi and upscale pizzas cooked in a custom-build Neopolitan wood-burning oven. Also expect boutique Italian and California wines and a cocktail program based on seasonal ingredients and lesser known Italian liqueurs. Sotto, 9575 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035, 310-277-0210.
RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen has launched the spring menu. Executive chef Mohan Ismail's new dishes include Singapore Mapo Tofu with chicken, soy, sesame and chili oil and crème brûlée with ginger, sweet corn and black sesame. RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen, Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90067, 310-552-9988.
Scarpetta is now offering Sunday brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., featuring a sushi and raw bar, pasta station, egg station, carving station, cheese from The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills, and pancakes and waffles. In addition, executive pastry chef Richard Ruskell offers a dessert presentation. Scarpetta, Montage Beverly Hills, 225 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210, 310-860-7970.
The Glendon Bar & Kitchen has introduced weekend brunch service. New dishes include DIY omelets, cherry bourbon french toast, and salmon quiche pizza. Bottomless Mimosas are available for $16. And as a special on Mother's Day, all moms will receive free unlimited Mimosas at brunch. The Glendon Bar & Kitchen, 1071 Glendon Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024, 310-208-2023.
Chef Adam Horton, most recently of Saddle Peak Lodge, has taken the reins at Raphael and is introducing a new menu. The Studio City restaurant has also recently undergone a design facelift and acquired a liquor license. Raphael, 11616 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604, 818-505-3337.
La Grande Orange Santa Monica has changed its name to M Street Kitchen. The menu will remain mostly intact. M Street Kitchen, 2000 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90405, 310-396-9145.
i Cugini, a favorite Italian restaurant in Santa Monica for 21 years, closed its doors on June 20. i Cugini, 1501 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401, no phone.
Chef Laurent Quenioux's French restaurant Bistro LQ has closed. Bistro LQ, 8009 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, no phone.