Delicious Debuts

Augustine  

This cozy vintage-style wine bar with a sophisticated European vibe opened in Sherman Oaks, adding an exciting entry to the Valley landscape with a staggering selection of 75 rotating wines by the glass.
Significance: It’s owned by Dustin Lancaster and Matthew Kaner (the pair behind the popular hipster spot Bar Covell in Los Feliz), in addition to Valley resident/musician David Gibbs. Plus, no wine bar in LA matches its wine list, with vintage bottles more than 100 years old.

augustinewinebar.com

Maradentro  

A “new-school Mexican seafood place,” this Studio City restaurant has a breezy atmosphere offering a lighter twist to traditional Mexican offerings, while the cocktail program creatively plays with mezcal and tequila.
Significance: This is the second Studio City restaurant for Jesse Gomez and chef-partner Jose Acevedo, who opened the third branch of their Los Angeles restaurant, Mercado, last year.

maradentrorestaurant.com

Cheesemongers  

This truly authentic Sherman Oaks shop specializes in cut-to-order artisan and farmstead cheeses, cured meats and “cheese-centric” sandwiches. It also offers a collection of handmade and local crackers, jams, olives, chocolates, oils, nuts and other accompaniments.
Significance: Owners Kia Burton and Chaz Christianson stock a carefully curated collection of domestic and global products unlike any other in the Valley—and they happily educate their customers with tastings and classes.

cheesemongersofshermanoaks.com

The Bellwether  

Diners at this modern, eclectic Studio City restaurant can enjoy an open kitchen and patio sitting along with family-style sharing. Seasonal ingredients cultivate flavors from Italy, Thailand, the Middle East and more—plus an elevated cocktail menu to boot.
Significance: Father’s Office veterans executive chef Ted Hopson (a Top Chef Masters alum) and beverage director Ann-Marie Verdi made their debut jump to the Valley from the Santa Monica and Culver City Father’s Office locations with an upscale neighborhood restaurant where families are welcome.

thebellwetherla.com

Sweet Rose Creamery  

This small-batch ice cream shop opened in Studio City’s Tujunga Village, the local chain’s fifth location and the first in the Valley. Housed in a vintage country cottage with patio seating, the shop scoops ice cream made from scratch with organic, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers markets.
Significance: It’s part of the acclaimed Rustic Canyon family of Westside restaurants owned by Josh Loeb and wife Zoe Nathan.

sweetrosecreamery.com