BY KAREN YOUNG
Peasant Wine Bistro just opened in Tarzana. Photo: Peasant Wine Bistro
Last weekend saw the opening of Peasant Wine Bistro in Tarzana. Restaurateur Greg Woodbury, who opened Bleecker Street, but broke ties a couple years ago, has brought on Executive Chef Marcel Vinson (also from Bleecker) to helm the kitchen. Vinson’s farm to table seasonal menu includes small plates, salads, entrees, pizzas, and burgers. There are 40 wines by the glass, priced from $9-$25, and 200 wines by the bottle. Woodbury describes his new concept as having a New York feel incorporating sophisticated old world charm with a modern edge, featuring wood, leather and dazzling chandeliers. 19100 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana (just east of Vanalden by the IHOP).
Short Rib panini is on the new menu at Cafe Aldente. Photo: Karen Young
Cafe Aldente in Studio City has re-opened under new ownership. As we reported last June, owner Jim Sahin sadly passed away leaving the fate of the nearly 25 year old restaurant in question. Longtime patron Robbie Schaeffer came in and took over, partnering with Tim Rettele. They’ve changed up the menu and completely renovated the inside and patio space with a new kitchen, tables and booths. Schaeffer and Rettele are also partnering in the much anticipated Pedalers Fork in Calabasas (which is set to soft open April 9). Although Pedalers Fork will feature a rustic farm to table menu, the team brought in their Executive Chef Dan Murray to create a new mediterranean menu for Cafe Aldente that includes homemade soups, salads, cold and hot sandwiches, paninis, skewers, pasta, lasagna and more. Cafe Aldente serves breakfast all day and brews up Ten -Speed Coffee seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Look for some familiar faces, including manager Wendy Warren Lorenz. Catering is also available. Located in the Peets center. 12215 Ventura Blvd. Studio City.
The original Katsu-ya is expanding to Northridge. Photo: Karen Young
The Katsu-ya empire continues to grow with the original Katsu-ya (Encino and Studio City) expanding to a location in Northridge, replacing Kabuki Sushi at 9701 Reseda Blvd. Chef Katsuya Uechi also owns Kiwami in Studio City and Little Izakaya by Katsu-ya in Sherman Oaks. Opening soon
Gyora Gyora is coming soon to Encino. Photo: Facebook
Encino will be home to another Japanese restaurant — Gyoro Gyoro Izakaya Japonaise, part of the Oto Oto Izakaya Japonaise empire that started in Japan and now has 154 locations. The menu is enormous and runs the gamut of Japanese cuisine — sushi, sashimi, yakitori, ramen, soba, clay and hot pot dishes and variations of fried and grilled items. There will also be a full bar. The opening is set for a couple weeks. Keep an eye on the Facebook page. Gyora Gyora is located at 17401 Ventura Blvd. (Western Bagel and Bed Bath and Beyond are landmarks).
Henry’s Tacos will have a rebirth on Tujunga Avenue. Photo: Facebook
For all those mourning the closure of Henry’s Tacos, you can now cheer up as the legendary taco stand will move in across the street from its original location replacing Studio Subs on Tujunga Avenue. Omar and Gil Vega will take over from Henry’s owner, Janis Hood. Stayed tuned for the opening date.
P Gators Southern Grill in Noho. Photo: Facebook
We were bummed about the closing of Otis Jackson Soul Dog in Noho, but now just around the corner is the recently opened P Gators Southern Grill serving up healthier versions of ”southern soul food” at 11049 Magnolia Street (between Lankershim and Vineland). The area has become quite the eating mecca with Republic of Pie, Bow & Truss, EAT, Spumante and Philly Cheesesteak.
Got tips? News? Email: karen@mydailyfind.com
About Karen Young
