Westside redo

The Third Street Promenade could be in for a pretty big overhaul, as the city of Santa Monica looks to stay ahead of the retail and restaurant curve. That’s per Urbanize LA, who note a new city presentation aimed at revamping the entire walking stretch with more outdoor seating, landscaping, updated facades, and other detail work. The plan is to compete directly with places like the remodeled Westfield Century City, while also offering live food and music events and the like. Expect a more robust proposal to be put up for consideration this fall.

Speaking the language

LA Magazine drills down into Lingua Franca, the follow-up sit-down restaurant from the Wax Paper folks. An opening is happening in 2019 at the Frog Town location, which will also sport a patio overlooking the river.

More Norms

Norms is looking to grow its footprint around Southern California, it seems. The company is actively asking customers for potential new cities in which to grow, while outlining upcoming locations in Inglewood and beyond.

Goodbye in Hollywood

Paloma has closed in Hollywood. Reps for the bar say that owner Adolfo Suaya will instead build a micro-apartment development on the property with some 53 apartments. And then, when all is said and done, the plan will be to put Paloma back in at the ground floor level of the new building.

Good for the neighborhood

The Santa Monica Daily Press takes a look at Little Prince, Ari Taymor’s spot on the Westside. The paper lauds the place’s “essential quality of heart,” and its ability to grow from a brunch-only pop-up to something bigger for the community.

Down in OC

Meanwhile down in Orange County, the city of Anaheim is promoting all the food in its Little Arabia area, and letting Foodbeast editor Elie Ayrouth do all the talking (and eating). Go give the video a watch.

A Thompson moment

Check out this new video with chef Miles Thompson, formerly of Michael’s in Santa Monica. The GQ/Lexus branded look shows Thompson just as he’s ready to leave the iconic Westside restaurant and work on a new project all his own.