Tasty Tidbits: New Restaurants, New Menu, Dine LA and More -- My Daily Find

BY KAREN YOUNG

The Tuning Fork Gastropub will open in a few weeks.

There’s more exciting news happening on Ventura Place in Studio City. Last week’s Tasty Tidbits brought the news of Joan’s on Third coming. Now there’s another restaurant opening just down the street in a few weeks — The Tuning Fork has replaced Sompun, a longtime neighborhood favorite Thai restaurant. According to one of the partners, Joseph Kuras, The Tuning Fork is a “combination farm-to-table restaurant and a gastropub.” All food, drinks, furniture, art, etc will be sourced locally. “Our chef will utilize the Studio City Farmers Market to create delicious and seasonal meals,” says Kuras. “Beer and wine will also be mostly from California, and our house ales will be brewed for us by our friends at Golden Road Brewery.” And for those of you who know and follow beer, that is Tony Yanow’s and Megan Gill’s brewery in L.A. (Tony is from Tony’s Darts Away in Burbank and Mohawk Bend in L.A. — all known for locally sourced, sustainable and very tasty brew! )The dining room will seat 40 people, plus room for 10 at the bar. Stay tuned for the opening date! 12051 Ventura Place, Studio City, (818) 762-7861.

New menu and new chef at D’Cache Restaurant.

Last week, MDF announced new executive chef Phillip Frankland Lee at D’Cache Restaurant in Toluca Lake. Now, his newly created menu has been unveiled along with tasting menus. Lee is introducing “modern Spanish cuisine” with an eclectic array of tapas plates and large plates. Selections include diver scallops, roasted squid, wood oven roasted pacific oyster, braised pork belly, green mussel cebiche, paella, sirloin steak and more. Additionally, at lunch Tuesday through Friday, there’s a Five-Course Chef’s Tasting offered for $35/ Wine Pairing $45. . The dinner menu on Tuesday through Thursday includes a Ten-Course Chef’s Tasting for $ 65 with wine pairings for $95.

A few weeks ago, we posted that La Frite in Woodland Hills is closing. Well, that has turned around — now there has been a change in ownership and a new name — French Connection Cafe. So far the menu, kitchen staff, wait staff, and management are remaining the same. 22616 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills (818)222-2777. The Sherman Oaks remains open as La Frite with the original owner.

Village Fish Market in Calabasas

DineLA starts next week — January 21- February 1. Here’s your chance to try out some new restaurants with special three course prix fixe menus (from $15-$45 per person depending on the restaurant.) Check out DineLA for more information. It’s happening in the valley and city-wide.

The Village Fish Market recently opened over at The Summit in Calabasas (26767 Agoura Rd). It’s part fish market and part casual dining. There’s a large selection of fish that’s grilled, broiled or fried (fish n’ chips) on a plate with a side. There’s also a choice of salads, sandwiches, chicken and steak. If you see a fish selection in the market that’s not on the menu, they’re happy to cook it up for you.