Photo by Elizabeth Daniels
VENICE: Westside favorite Axe has been shuttered for almost a year since a fire, but it's reopened and is better than ever, reports Eater. Some of the changes include "some new trees in the dining room, and that outdoor back patio is now receiving more attention," but otherwise it's just as good as before.
WOODLAND HILLS: Pasadena's Slaw Dogs has become a chain with its new outpost in WH on Ventura. Lots of pork, of course, and booze is on its way. Look for another branch in Duarte soon.
BEVERLY HILLS: Beverly Drive will be home to the Vosges Haut-Chocolat shop this fall. A concept that is long overdue, the high-end interactive store will be divided into three rooms with a cafe, a wall featuring the history of chocolate, and a "Chocolate Theater," where people can watch how the magic is made. Sounds like a tasteful mini-take on SF's Ghirardelli Square.
BEVERLY HILLS-ADJACENT: The Peruvian restaurant Picca now has a new Mezzanine Bar on its second floor. It certainly looks nice, but we're flummoxed by the Emergency Room sign and its "emergency room-themed drinks." Stale coffee? Warm Diet Coke?
· Eater LA [Official Site]