As everyone has so fondly been saying over the last nine days: New year, new you!
Going with that wildly popular catchphrase, our first Editor Obsessions post of 2014 has items that are helping with our resolutions for change.
On the diet and fitness side of things, we're loving Aquahydrate, which is a Gatorade alternative without the sugar. Plus, we've also found a new way to detox thanks to Chomp Eatery.
Of course, little tweaks count too—which is why we've included all the new beauty products that are assisting in our makeovers. Starting with: Cute word-adorned Band.do bobby pins, insanely hydrating lotion from Korres and a brand new cheek tint from Benefit.
SANTA MONICA— Windows are papered over and prelim signage is up for CiBOTECA, that awaited Italian deli from the Hostaria del Piccolo crew. Management plans to serve "in a couple of months." [EaterWire]
WOODLAND HILLS— The slowing growing fast casual Hook Burger (Bistro) chain is expanding to 6201 Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Woodland Hills. Have an early peek inside. [EaterWire]
SANTA MONICA— Here's a look at the expansive juice menu (inclusive of almond mylk and flavored water) coming to Chomp Eatery on Santa Monica Boulevard. Owner Rolan Pongpuntara is planning to open doors in the middle of November or early December. [EaterWire]
TOLUCA LAKE— Doug LaGambina and Scott Kay's Valley wine shop and bar, Spin The Bottle, should be ready to pour at the end of this month on Riverside Drive. [EaterWire]
VENICE— Locali, the eco-conscious grocery and cafe from Hollywood, is shacking up across the street from Wurstkuche on Lincoln. Management is aiming to soft open in mid-December with a full debut in early January. Organic hemp soft serve to come. [EaterWire]
K-TOWN— BrewWell is a cute new coffeehouse on 8th Street brewing Handsome beans and specialty drinks like a toasted lavender cappuccino. There's a mix of sweet and savory fare from salami and grilled cheese sandwiches to Guinness-spiked recklessly chocolate cake and lavender pistachio scones. Free wifi, too. [LAW]
ECHO PARK— Healthy juices, smoothies, salads, and sandwiches are on offer at the new Angelus Salads Plus, a Latin-influenced cafe on W. Sunset Boulevard. LAT is especially fired upabout the diablitos (flavored shaved ice with chili salt) and describes the dessert as "a giant glass of Mexican candy, only with delicious chunks of fruit mixed into the ice ... it was everything I hoped it would be and more." [LAT]
SANTA MONICA— Chomp Eatery & Juice Station is looking to launch in November, but here's an early copy of the cafe's menu. Partners Rolan Pongpuntara and Sean Tao are gearing their bill of lunchy fare to the health-conscious and plan to also present westsiders with about 15 cold pressed juices. [EaterWire]
MID-CITY— During football season (starting Sept 8), Bludso's will kick open doors on Mondays (previously closed). On Sundays service will commence at 10 a.m. with a new menu of breakfast tacos offered until noon. Think handmade flour tortillas filled with brisket and egg; smoked potato and egg; and chicken, or chorizo, or pulled pork and egg. The menu is going to vary but the smoked tomatillo salsa will not. Adds pitmaster Noah Galuten, "Smoked tomatillos, by the way, are fucking awesome." [EaterWire]
