March 19, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Forma Expanding to Main Street: Westside Food Scene

Westside Food Scene October 22, 2020

By Kerry Slater

Forma Expanding to Main Street

Popular Santa Monica Italian restaurant Forma has expanded into space formerly occupied by Chaya in Venice.

On the heels of their fifth anniversary, Santa Monica’s Italian restaurant Forma Restaurant & Cheese Bar opened a second location in Venice on Monday, October 12.

In this follow-up to the Montana Avenue flagship, co-owners Mario Sabatini and Piero Topputo leased, gutted and renovated the space formerly occupied by Chaya at Navy Stree and Main Street in Venice.

Spearheaded by Co-Owner and Executive Chef Piero Topputo, the menu remains consistents with Forma Santa Monica, with dishes exclusive to Venice launching in the coming months. Familiar classics include their signature pastas dalla forma, like the Tortellini with mushrooms, light cream and truffle oil, tossed in a wheel of bella lodi cheese, and the Chitarra Cacio E Pepe tossed in a wheel of pecorino romano.

In addition, a the menu features over 70 cheeses with a cheese bar housing three massive cheese wheels, cut lengthwise and used as giant bowls to toss the pasta dalla format.

While the Santa Monica location serves beer and wine only, Forma Venice has full bar and cocktail list created by local mixologist, Vincenzo Marianella, the mastermind behind cocktail programs at Fia and Providence.

Due to Los Angeles County COVID-19 dining restrictions, Forma is only open for dining on the patio.

Forma Venice will be open for dinner from 4:00 pm to 10:30 pm daily, with plans to expand their hours for lunch in the near future.

New Indonesian Restaurant Opening in Venice

A restauranteur has opened an Indonesian restaurant in Venice with hopes of fulfilling an area lacking in the local dining scene.

As reported by What Now Los Angeles, Simpang Asia is set to open on November 9 at Lincoln Plaza, the intersection of Lincoln Boulevard and Vernon Avenue.

“According to [owner Leni Kumalasari], the Venice community seems more open to eating Simpang Asia’s kind of recipes, which she describes as being similar to that of Thai, Indian, and Chinese. Simpang Asia especially emphasizes things like fried rice, noodles, and curry,” What Now Los Angeles wrote.

The restaurant currently has a location open 10433 National Blvd #2. Check out more at http://simpangasia.com/.

Two Wilshire Boulevard Restaurants Close

An Argentinean restaurant and a Mediterranean restaurant, both on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica have closed.

As reported by Toddirckallen, Malbec Argentinean Cuisine has closed their Santa Monica location for good at 2628 Wilshire Blvd. Signs on the window announce the space is for lease and the location has been removed from the website. The Toluca Lake, Pasadena and Eagle Rock locations still seem to be open.

Nearby Malbec at 3001 Wilshire Blvd, Toddirckallen reported that Mediterranean Luna Grill has closed, saying the windows are papered over while a note on the front announces that they are closed.

Greek Street Food Arrives in Westwood Village

Nick the Greek is now offering authentic Greek street food in Westwood Village featuring rotisserie meats, charbroiled skewers, zesty sauces and more

Diners can expect mouth-watering warm pitas and traditional plates made with seasoned meats, grilled vegetables or falafel, fluffy pita, flavorful sauces and fresh-cut fries. The meat options are thinly sliced gyro meat, souvlaki (cubed & marinated skewers) or beefteki (ground beef with spices and charred).

Fresh salads and sides are also available, including traditional Greek salads and Avgolemono – “lemon soup”. In addition, the “Nick’s Fries” are smothered with feta, garlic, spicy yogurt and any gyro meat or falafel.

Desserts include baklava, loukoumades (Greek beignets) and “Greek Style” frozen yogurt.

“Come enjoy outstandingly fresh and authentic Greek Food with the newest Greek hits playing in the background,” said Nick the Greek co-founders. “We are truly excited to bring authentic, delicious Greek street food to Westwood UCLA.”

Swingers Reopens

Swingers, the popular American diner, is reopening their Beverly Boulevard location.

In August 2019, Swingers closed their Santa Monica location on Lincoln Boulevard. Then in April of this year, the diner closed their 8020 Beverly Blvd location in Los Angeles.

As reported by Eater LA, however, former general manager Stephanie Wilson bought the restaurant from Committed, Inc., the Sean MacPherson-owned restaurant group after the April closure and plans to reopen it in the near future.

According to Eater, when Swinger reopens it will be from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with outdoor seating and takeout, with the same classic menu of course.

Related Posts

Time is Running Out To Give Public Input on Malibu’s Revised Housing Element

March 18, 2024

March 18, 2024

City Asks Residents to Comment on Strategies for Addressing Housing Needs The City of Malibu has released an updated Revised...

Fatal Crash Claims Life of Woman on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu

March 18, 2024

March 18, 2024

Accident Victim Identified in Thursday Night Accident A woman tragically lost her life in a Thursday evening crash along the...

California Wildlife Center Responds to Distressed Marine Mammal at Little Dume Beach

March 18, 2024

March 18, 2024

Third Gray Whale Stranding of 2024 Prompts Concern in Malibu On the morning of Saturday, March 16, the California Wildlife...

Woman Drives Car In Ocean After High Speed Police Chase

March 18, 2024

March 18, 2024

Law enforcement officers pursued her along the I-110 and I-405 until she reached the vicinity of Venice Beach A woman...

Santa Monica Authorities Seek Public’s Help After Sexual Assault Incident

March 17, 2024

March 17, 2024

SMPD Urges Anyone With Information to Come Forward Authorities in Santa Monica are seeking information from the public after a...

FBI Seeks Victims of Alleged Online Exploitation Scheme Allegedly Run by Resident of Santa Monica

March 17, 2024

March 17, 2024

Individuals Urged to Come Forward in Investigation of John Douglas Burch The FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office is urging individuals to...

(Video) Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD Responds to News of Nex Benedict’s Cause of Death

March 15, 2024

March 15, 2024

Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD, responds to the release of the Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Ruling on Nex...

Venice Family Clinic Announces Inaugural HEART Gala to Celebrate Health and Art

March 15, 2024

March 15, 2024

Event Honors Creative Community and Supporters of Vital Health Care Services Venice Family Clinic, a non-profit community health center dedicated...

“Love Lies Bleeding” is Ripped: Actress Katy O’Brian Talks Love, Sex, and Vulnerability

March 15, 2024

March 15, 2024

Katy O’Brian is a Breakout Star Who Shines in Loving and Hilariously Violent Crime Film English film director Rose Glass’...

Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier Sold to SC Holdings, $10M Investment Planned

March 14, 2024

March 14, 2024

The Cultural Institution Set for Exciting Upgrades Santa Monica Amusements LLC (SMA), the operating group of Pacific Park on the...

Woman Returns $1K Worth of Stolen Items After Store Finds Her Social Media Account

March 14, 2024

March 14, 2024

For the Owner, the Incident Is Perhaps Indicative of an Environment at the Palisades Village Where Smaller Businesses Are More...

LAPD Identify Suspect Who Struck 6-Year-Old Girl Last Weekend

March 14, 2024

March 14, 2024

An Arrest Was Made Following “Another Incident” in Venice By Zach Armstrong  The Los Angeles Police have identified Ahsante Lamar...

SMC to Host Free Screening of West Coast Hip Hop Documentary

March 14, 2024

March 14, 2024

Free Presentation Includes Audience Q&A with Hip Hop Icons Santa Monica College (SMC) is set to host a complimentary screening...

IRS Launches Direct File Pilot of Free Filing Tool for Taxpayers in California, 11 Other States

March 14, 2024

March 14, 2024

Free, Convenient Online Tax Filing Option Now Available for Eligible Individuals The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced the official launch...

SMPD Arrests Man Who Allegedly Attacked Girlfriend, Brandished Replica Firearm at Her Daughter

March 13, 2024

March 13, 2024

The Man Faces Charges of Felony Domestic Violence and Misdemeanor Child Abuse A suspect is in custody after a domestic...