New Arrivals

simplethings, a sandwich, salad and pie shop, opened its third location in Toluca Lake, taking over the former Olive & Thyme location (which moved to a bigger space down the street). This is the third location for this fast-casual eatery in just five years—with a Santa Monica location coming soon. Look for gourmet sandwiches and salads with such ingredients as pulled pork, chipotle chicken, roasted vegetables and turkey; sides including mac 'n' cheese and a quinoa salad with broccolini and feta; sweet and savory pies; and whoopee pies. There are 14 seasonal flavors of sweet pies that come in three sizes: cutie ($2.50), simple ($5) and big ($20). Savory pies include steak and lager, chicken, and Portabella mushroom. Weekend brunch is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Perfect for nearby studios and parties are catering options that include party platters and lunch boxes. 4013 Riverside Dr., Toluca Lake, 818-562-9619

Calabasas-ians now have a new deli to call their own. Lovi’s Delicatessen recently opened in the former Red Robin location on Calabasas Road. One look at the enormous menu solves the “what do you feel like eating” question, because frankly there looks to be something for everyone. Of course there is every kind of traditional deli food, but wait, there's more: sushi, steaks, chops, oysters, Mexican dishes, hand-crafted burgers, hot dogs, an endless selection of sandwiches, melts and wraps, plus desserts, beer, wine and fancy cocktails (they even serve the Moscow mule in tin cups). The Lovi family has been in the deli business for four decades beginning with The Country Deli in Chatsworth, followed by Agoura's Famous Deli & Restaurant and Pickles Deli & Restaurant in Newbury Park. Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Breakfast is served all day. 24005 Calabasas Road, 818-212-9777

Mexican Restaurant Switch-Ups

Chef Jose Acevedo and restaurateur Jesse Gomez

It looks like one of my "wishes for 2015" is coming true. I asked for a seafood emporium, and now Jesse Gomez and chef-partner Jose Acevedo, who most recently brought Mercado to Cahuenga Boulevard West, will be replacing the former La Ventura in Studio City with a Mexican seafood restaurant called Maradentro. This is the fourth concept for Jesse, who in addition to three Mercado locations also owns Yxta and El Arco Iris downtown. 

Maradentro is scheduled to open in April with a second location in Eagle Rock this summer. The preliminary menu looks good and includes such dishes as: seafood soup, guacamole de langosta (lobster and Nueske's bacon, chips or chicharrón); camaron pelao (peeled Mexican sweet shrimp); fideo del mar (linguini with jumbo scallops, shrimp, mussels, sweet peas); and chile relleno de cuatro mares (poblano chile, shrimp, scallops, mussles, white fish, tomato-chile broth). 

Cactus Taqueria is currently under construction at the former Manny's, the corner taco stand at Moorpark and Woodman. This will be the fourth location for the taqueria and the second location for the 818. Cactus Taqueria first landed in nearby Studio City at the original Henry's Tacos last year.