560509 Fri Sep 26 15:55:23 -0700 2008 7 2 Los Angeles Area 0 4064620 still around? Fri Sep 26 15:55:23 -0700 2008 10866 kevin 1 4064812 Kevin - not only did it die, meaning in 2001, as did its subsequent occupiers of said space including Simons Cafe (now on Sepulveda), Salomi Indian/Bangladesh restaurant from NOHO, and most recently Red Square, which closed not too long ago. That space, and that center, are the kiss of death for restaurants. Quincy's BBQ is also gone and some poor soul is coming in to try his or her luck. Only one to stay open is Alcazar, which has been there for around 8 or so years, iirc. Fri Sep 26 17:25:22 -0700 2008 4064620 10359 carter 2 4064876 Hirosuke has been in that center for longer than Alcazar. It's the spots in the side and the back that are deadly. I don't remember Salomi being in that center; I thought it was further west. I think Gardens of Taxco had a brief run in the Robair's spot? Fri Sep 26 17:59:43 -0700 2008 4064812 10568 Jwsel 3 4065326 Yes, I think you're right, they were there too. I didn't know that Quincy's had finally bitten the dust. It was a place to go with my parents and kids and grands, but our last meal a couple of months ago was just awful! What's coming in next? Fri Sep 26 23:35:51 -0700 2008 4064876 16640 compucook 4 4065830 Yeah, Quincy's was the same ownership as the previous California Crisp which could not get out of the lease nor sell the place, so Elliott changed the concept with very limited knowledge of bbq, as you found out. Well, not to be outdone, the new place will be the Big Itzik Grill, would you believe?! Not saying but.... It won't be the name that will make it successful! Jwsel, yes, you are right - that was the Gardens of Taxco site. And yes Salomi was there for nearly 3 years, and died for all four of them. And correct also regarding Hirosuke, yet I never even think of Japanese or sushi, so my brain freeze took over! Even Doug and Gary Ross used to have a bistro in that spot probably 15 years ago, yet I forgot the name. Probably my favorite use of the space, but it was still the wrong space, wrong center, etal. Sat Sep 27 09:34:25 -0700 2008 4065326 10359 carter 5 4066117 That was the Silver Grill, if I'm not mistaken. I loved that place too! Also Lalo and Brothers. I hosted a lovely luncheon there. I thought they were good too, I just don't get why we can't support more good places here in Encino. Big Itzik Grill? OY VEY! I hope it's not another Russian/Armenian/hookah lounge. Sat Sep 27 12:16:26 -0700 2008 4065830 16640 compucook 6 4066452 I forgot about Silver Grill, but I also loved the food. The only problem was the noise level. They deliberately built the ceiling to amplify noise, and it was horrid. You could have people at only one other table in the place, and it would still be hard to hear the people across your own table. As for Big Itzik Grill, it sounds like a kebab-type place. Does that make any sense with Alcazar in that center? Sat Sep 27 15:23:06 -0700 2008 4066117 10568 Jwsel 6 4066660 Thanks, yes it was the Silver Grill. Lalo was probably the best of the entire list for quality of food, yet as Jwsel said, the noise level kept Silver Grill from being a more pleasant evening. I tried to get the patio, weather permitting. As to the Big Itzik Grill, the proponents are Alexander Gendelman and Helena Rahlin. You draw your own conclusions, but it sounds Israeli to me. Sat Sep 27 17:46:18 -0700 2008 4066117 10359 carter