Sad closures in Studio City:  Good Earth, which has been a fixture on Ventura Blvd for 21 years closed its doors February 1. So long Planet Burger, Cashew Chicken Salad, Tahini Poppy Seed Dressing, Tofu Stir Fry, and giant Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.  Only two GE restaurants remain in Minnesota. Fortunately, Good Earth teas can still be found at local supermarkets.  

Meanwhile, another beloved mainstay— Studio Yogurt, a mom n' pop operation at Laurel Canyon and Ventura Blvd that was rather like the "Cheers" of yogurt, attracting an eclectic gathering of school kids, celebs, dates and work out moms,  just announced on its Twitter feed that it will be closing its doors on February 23 after 17 years in business. Something about franchise yogurt shops just doesn't have the same feeling. It will be missed.

Sausage and brats emporium Brats Brothers in Sherman Oaks is now under new ownership and management with a brief hiccup, as it now must go through the application process to obtain and new Beer & Wine license. In the meantime, it will remain open serving up their prized Bavarian fare that Guy Fieri once featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.   According to Thomy Moore, the new CFO/CCO,  the ownership change will include "improving on a few entree items, plus making some additions to the menu, including new salads, vegetarian dishes, and some fantastic German desserts."  Since alcohol won't be served for at least the next 30 days or so, Moore says they plan on providing some "excellent specials to reward loyal customers for sticking by us during the application period." 

The Northridge Fashion Center is now home to the over 5400 square foot Bonefish Grill which is part of a Florida based award-winning chain of 198 restaurants in 34 states. The restaurant specializes in market-fresh fish from around the world, as well as grilled meat, poultry and seasonal, specialty fare. Bonefish Grill also offers handcrafted cocktails, local beers, and an affordable distinct list of 30 wines by the glass.  Built with a modern design scheme, diners enjoy sitting at sharing tables, booths and circular pods combined with customary tables.  There’s also a daily “Happier Hour” from 4 to 6:30 p.m. with some cocktails available all-day long at $6 each.

Senior Fred in Sherman Oaks shut down a few months back.  Now, in its place comes Marlin and Ono Grille by chef/owner Martin Colman. No word yet on the type of restaurant, but one clue is that Colman's award-winning culinary background is “haute cuisine” (fine dining).   

The corner location of the former Ole Tapas on the Sherman Oaks/Studio City border has stood vacant for a few years…that is until recently when design studio Spacecraft set up shop to construct a new restaurant. Word on the street is that it’s going to be reminiscent of an English hotel bar.  So far the working name is “The Parker.”

Keep a fork in it and stay tuned with The Ventura Blvd Sauce.