Serving Larchmont Village, Hancock Park, and the Greater Wilshire neighborhoods of Los Angeles since 2011.

Larchmont Restaurants Slowly Re-Open Outdoor Dining

Al Fresco dining was very popular on Larchmont Blvd. when the weather was warm. Le Petit Greek is planning to once again offer dining on the sidewalk, where they have heaters. (photo from Le Petit Greek)

Earlier this week Los Angeles City and County health officials gave restaurants the green light to re-open outdoor dining on Friday…so we checked in with a few restaurateurs who shared their plans, and found many local restaurants on Larchmont are taking it slow. The forecast of rain this weekend is complicating efforts to resume outdoor dining for some. It’s also challenging for restaurants to invest in tents and portable heaters, and experts warn against closing things up too much and losing the benefit of being outside.  Not surprisingly, almost everyone we checked with is still planning to offer take-out options.  

Here’s more from several specific eateries:

Le Petit Greek owner Dimitris Houndalas told the Buzz they are going to re-open their Al Fresco dining with the new guidelines on Friday at 50% capacity, but the primary focus will still be take out.
“We do have built in outdoor heating under our awning with side weather flaps for protection but with distance guidelines, we can only seat a small number of customers,” said Houndalas. “We are remaining open for dinner only as of right now. Our current hours are Tuesday thru Thursday 4-8 Friday and Saturday 4- 8:30 and Sunday 3-8. I do think once COVID cases decrease and more people are vaccinated, it will help slowly open up business, although it will take time.”
Vernetti Restaurant’s Steve Vernetti hopes to resume outdoor dining next week.
Vernetti owner Steve Vernetti told the Buzz he’s holding off on re-opening until the official guidelines on table spacing, etc. are published. He said his current plan is to open next week, starting Tuesday, February 2, for dinner only for the first week, and maybe Sunday brunch. After that, he said he hopes to resume normal hours lunch, dinner, and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Vernetti recommended checking his Instagram for updates, and of course, we’ll keep you posted too!
Village Pizzeria is concentrating its efforts on take out. Owner Steve Cohen told us the weather is just too chilly for outdoor dining at the moment. But Village Pizzeria is open “Wednesdays through Sundays, 3-8, ish offering 9” & 16” pies,  All salads , pastas , sandwiches and soups added!” 😷🙏🏻🍕❤️ ” texted Cohen.

Bricks and Scones coffee shop on North Larchmont Blvd. is planning to re-open its patio this Friday, barring any rain, according to a social media post:

“We will be gradually lengthening our open hours, on demand. A special thank you to our amazing online and in-person guests for getting this restaurant through this difficult time. We would not have made it without you all. Hopefully no rain by Friday! Sun shine all month! 😁 Thank you!

Kali restaurant, recently mentioned in an LA Times article on businesses trying to survive COVID-19 shutdowns, says it is not planning to open until after Valentine’s Day weekend. Owner Kevin Meehan has supplemented his revenue by offering small in-home dinners for clients, and posted on Instagram that he wants to wait “to ensure protocols are clear, again to ensure a safe environment for staff and guests. We appreciate the continued support during these challenging times.”

Mehan also told the Times, “Maybe it’s best to not open right away and gauge the scene,” said Kevin Meehan, chef-owner of Melrose Avenue restaurant Kali. “Laying off staff for the fourth time would be brutal.”

The Buzz will keep you posted as we hear from other restaurants. Stay safe and dry!

 

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Patricia Lombard
Patricia Lombard
Patricia Lombard is the publisher of the Larchmont Buzz. Patty lives with her family in Fremont Place. She has been active in neighborhood issues since moving here in 1989. Her pictorial history, "Larchmont" for Arcadia Press is available at Chevalier's Books.

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