Bahn Mi restaurant between the pet store and the cleaners.
By Roxanne Brown
Note: And why shouldn’t Venice Update have restaurant reviews? Back in the old days, one could count the decent restaurants in Venice on one hand and now … so many that they need to be discovered. And who could reveal this scene better than the sleuth-eater herself.
I always wanted to do a column with that title. Because, we can find some extraordinary food in LA’s strip malls. We have just that – Bahn Mi in Venice is in TOP TEN according to the LA Weekly and me – right here in a Venice strip mall!
Just behind La Cabana, tucked in the corner is Bahn Mi. Friends sang its praises, so I walked over to Rose and Lincoln. It’s way beyond delicious. All sandwiches on fresh baked light and flakey baguettes (remember the French were in Vietnam) topped with pickled daikon and carrots/cucumber, fresh cilantro, jalapeno. I had the Go Fish Mi, which is ling cod braised with turmeric and dill: yogurt spring onion and garlic, topped with bean sprouts, drizzled with lemon juice.
That was so good, I came back twice and had the same thing. This past week, I had the breakfast sandwich, Wake Mi: two organic eggs, over easy (or not), house-made chili mayo, topped with veggies and herbs for $8. Melt in my mouth delicious. Others include Moo Mi, Cluck Mi, Veg Mi and more.
I hope to eat my way through the entire menu. The Vietnamese coffee (iced and hot) is delicious. Mexican chocolate and Earl Grey pie comes from the Pie Hole downtown LA. Yum. Homemade tapioca and mung bean pudding topped with coconut cream and chopped nuts is divine: $3.50.
People, run do not walk there. We need these mom and pop places with outstanding food at reasonable prices. Heidi the owner and her staff are friendly. Service is excellent.
Hours are presently 11- 6 with plans to start earlier for the breakfast crowds. For now, if you can, hold off for breakfast until 11 – it’s worth it for the Wake Mi.
310-429-1959 – 307 Lincoln Blvd at Southwest corner of Rose and Lincoln across from Whole Foods. When Gwyneth Paltrow posted her Bahn Mi experience – all phone lines crashed. So, if there is no answer, you know why. The celebs have discovered it, why not you?
By Roxanne Brown
Going in search of The Rose Cafe, I found the White Orchid. Yes, we’ve been missing our Rose Cafe – low key, good food, reasonable prices. Due to this lack, Flake is overflowing with Flakesters (including me). The Brick House is now Taco Por Favor. Help! SOS!
So I wandered down Main Street and ran into the WHITE ORCHID CAFE. It’s mellow, pretty, friendly people like Monica and Fred pictured work there. Delicious reasonably priced food. Indoor-outdoor dining in comfortable chairs. A no hassle, no attitude, no rush kind of place.
The White Orchid is on Main between Rose and Navy at 245 Main Street (west side of street) – phone 424-744-8374.
This Saturday in the rain, I snapped the attached photos while dining on an onion blue cheese quiche – melted in my mouth while bursting with flavor, accompanied by a good size salad with tomatoes, mushrooms, lettuce and a delicious dressing – $10.50.
Try it – you’ll like it.
Like many local Venetians, I used to be in The Rose Cafe three times a week. I think I’ve found my new place. This and yes, I’m still loyal to Nick, Paige, Christina at Flake as well as Zinque.
I hope to see more of my Venetians (former Rose Cafe patrons) at the White Orchid Cafe. I recommend it highly.
The egg sandwich with fresh dill, salmon and sour cream on a wheat baquette is exquisite! See you there. Say, “Hi” to Fred, Monica, and me.
This is the restaurant at 1305 Abbot Kinney Blvd being built by Fran Camaj. He owns Gjelina/GTA on Abbot Kinney and Gjusta at 320 Sunset. This one, which is yet to be named, has unofficially been dubbed the “Black Beast.”
Parking in area is normally underground. This is the first for Abbot Kinney on the roof. Residents are fearful that owner will once again use parking for service use. Although not permitted as a restaurant, 320 Sunset parking lot is being used as a dinning area. Gjelina on Abbot Kinney has a garage that is used for the restaurant, not parking.
California Coastal Commission (CCC) rejected the Amendment Request by Fran Camaj for providing bike parking inlieu of three car lifts originally planned and permitted for his project at 1305 Abbot Kinney.
CCC issued permits for the car lifts. Owner then got City to change permit to provide bike racks inlieu of three lift parking places. Permit changes have to be made by CCC.
The following video is of the commission hearing and is provided by Roxanne Brown whose commentary follows the video. Video is admittedly bad but audio is great.
By Roxanne Brown, Member of Concerned Neighbors
Restaurateur Fran Camaj’s promise of car lifts at 1305 Abbot Kinney (called the Black Beast by some local residents) seems to have been a bust.
Chronology of all Events 2010 – CCC decided that 1305 Abbot Kinney required 13 parking spaces. Camaj agreed to park 9 cars 3×3 in tandem with 3 single car lifts on the roof top parking lot, and one disabled space on ground level.
2012 — Construction commenced and lifts were not built.
2014 — Greg Shoop at City Planning granted a permit allowing Camaj to remove the lifts and replace them with bike racks.
OOPS: The City is not allowed to override the CCC.
2015–Concerned Venetians alerted the CCC and Building and Safety (B&S). B&S investigated and filed an intention to revoke permit.
Camaj agreed to rescind permit and said he would comply and build lifts.
Camaj then applied for an amendment with CCC to not build lifts and instead, to supply an electric charging station and bike racks.
Vitalich Testimoney
Stephen Vitalich, Black Beast architect and representative, said that the building at 1305 Abbot Kinney can’t support the weight of 3 lifts.
Vitalich went on to say that they would always have 3 attendants doing valet parking and that there are paid parking lots between Electric and Abbot Kinney. He also claimed that most of the time there would not be more than 10 cars requiring parking. If there were more, two cars could be parked on the (steep) access ramp to roof.
Venetians Presented
Meanwhile, the valet only rooftop “parking lot” was paved with beautiful stonework and planters with lovely vegetation were installed. Additionally, a gorgeous staircase was built to wind up from the small restaurant interior to the ample rooftop “parking lot.
Venetians presented photos of alley dining at Gjelina/GTA, “parking lot” dining plus unpermitted patio dining at Gjusta, and photos of the Black Beast’s beautiful rooftop “parking lot.”
One Venetian pointed out that Gjelina’s food has a great reputation and people come from far and wide for that food. He said it would be unlikely that these diners would be riding bikes or taking buses to 1305 Abbot Kinney’s Black Beast.
CCC Decision
One commissioner said that it was noble of Camaj to look outside the box for parking.
Commissioner Jana Zimmer commented that Venice residents and beach goers are already competing for scarce and on street parking. Outdoor “parking lot” areas are not permitted for dining. What is the record of enforcement?
Commissioner Roberto Uranga noted that the project seems to have been disingenuous from the start. It seems there was never any intent to build parking lifts.
COMMISSIONERS VOTE – 6 to 5
GREGORY COX – YES JANA ZIMMER – NO
DAYNA BOCHCO – YES CAROLE GROOM – NO
MARTHA MCCLURE – YES ERIC HOWELL- NO
MARK VARGAS – YES STEVE KINSEY – NO
WENDY MITCHELL- YES ROBERTO URANGA – NO
RANDY PESTOR – NO
Conclusion
Had Camaj been a good neighbor at Gjelina/GTA, Venetians would be clamoring to have one of his restaurants in their neighborhood. Unfortunately, Gjelina’s/GTA’s neighbors have complained that his restaurant/take away has not been in compliance and has been a nuisance for eight years. The consequences of residents experiencing this are that many Venetians do not want Camaj’s establishments near their homes.
Camaj’s restaurants include Gjelina/GTA, Gjusta, and the Black Beast. He will also manage 259 Hampton (Sauce). Currently all five seem to be ignoring permits and have compliance issues.
Listen to Us
Developers, please work with residents, work with transparency and within the City’s laws, permits, and compliance policies. This will save developers, the City, and Venetians time, energy, and money. Do the right thing. It’s easier.
By Roxanne Brown – Member Venice Neighborhoods’ Association
Note: In 12 May issue, Update mentioned wanting to run articles about “What is Right About Venice.” Roxanne Brown, a frequent contributor, liked the idea and here is her first one.
What’s right about Venice is when old and new Venice come together in harmony and synergy. For example, Zinque dwelling next to Elco Welding on Abbott Kinney just South of Venice.
I love to breakfast at Zinque and wander next door to stare at all the wonders that lurk beyond the gate at Elco Welding – Vintage signage – Vintage cars – Vintage brothers who own the place. Do ask before you take pictures.
Zinque at the corner of Abbot Kinney and Venice Blvd. Elco Welding is behind Zinque to add the contrast of new and old.
Then wander further south and you’ll find Vintage Rose – a treasure chest full of finds – no photos – just fun.
I want to see more of that and hope the new owner of the Market and Fiesta Brava will preserve Fiesta Brava. Why? Because it’s history. It’s so very uncool – with crooked booths and bullfighter posters – that it is uber cool – the coolest – the hipsters will love it. Residents and tourists will love it as it reflects Venice’s history. People want to see the old with the new. All new and trendy is boring – seen that – done that- bought the T-Shirt.
Save Fiesta Brava because Fiesta Brava saves lives. For years when Venetians got a cold or the flu, they would flock to Fiesta Brava and order the chicken stew. It’s like grandma’s home made chicken soup – chicken melts off the bone, carrots, potatoes, zucchini, finely chopped onions, cilantro and lime. You’re cured!
Hundreds of Venetians have been cured. We women know that for some men the cold or flu can be a near death experience. Yes, Fiesta Brava has brought them back to life – resurrection.
Fiesta Brava can be an asset to your business. You can be super cool. You can be a hero. Residents will flock to your establishment. Think of the PR and good will you will attain. Think about it – do you want to be the hero – the innovator – the marketer – that saves Fiesta Brava – and brings old and new Venice together? Making a much more interesting, dynamic, synergetic Venice?
