Union chef heads to Culver City, Aestus is closing, Eggslut in Glendale, Wexler’s in Santa Monica

What’s been happening in the L.A. restaurant world lately? A lot. Bruce Kalman (Union and Knead) is heading to Culver City, two Grand Central Market favorites branch out, a Santa Monica restaurant closes and a Westlake Village restaurant plans a ramen pop-up.

Bruce Kalman, the chef behind Union in Pasadena and Knead & Co. Pasta Bar + Market at Grand Central Market, and his partner in both businesses, Marie Petulla, has taken over the former Bucato space at the Helms Bakery complex in Culver City. Details are slim, but we do know that winemaker George Pitsironis (wine director at Union) will be involved. The project is scheduled to open in 2017. 8758 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles.

Aestus, the Santa Monica restaurant by owner Kevin O’Connor (former Spago wine director) and chef Andrew Betita (formerly of Fishing With Dynamite and Alma) will close Sunday. A new Italian restaurant (ownership team TBA) will open in its place in the fall. 507 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, (424) 268-4433, www.aestusrestaurant.com.

Eggslut, the Grand Central Market breakfast stand known for its long lines and tricked out egg sandwiches, will open a location in Glendale, across from the Americana at Brand. Other restaurants planned for the area include Shake Shack, Mainland Poke, Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop and Philz Coffee. Eggslut is scheduled to open in the fall. 252 S. Brand, Glendale. www.eggslut.com.

Wexler’s, the Grand Central Market stall by chef Micah Wexler, is opening a location in Santa Monica. Expect more of the bagels, pastrami and smoked fish he’s known for at the downtown food market. The restaurant is scheduled to open by the end of the month. 616 Santa Monica Blvd., (213) 620-0633, wexlersdeli.com.

Jeannine’s Gourmet Food Hall in Westlake Village, a restaurant that typically serves egg salad sandwiches and barbecue chicken pizza, is launching a ramen pop-up May 31. Why? Because owner Gordon Hardey loves ramen. He studied in Tokyo in the ‘80s and has loved it ever since. Hardey enlisted the help of chef Mako Tanaka (from the now-closed Jujuya by Mako) and chef Keiki Shinkai for the pop-up. They’ll be making a Tokyo shoyu ramen; chicken shio ramen, tokotsu shoyu ramen, spicy seafood ramen and vegetable ramen, as well as gyoza, karaage, a pork chashu bowl and a chicken soboro bowl. 30770 Russell Ranch Road,Westlake Village, (818) 735-9726, www.jeannineswestlakevillage.com.

If you’re a mover, and a shaker, follow me on Twitter and Instagram @Jenn_Harris_

ALSO:

6 dishes to order at L.A. restaurants if you love XO sauce

All Los Angeles farmers markets will now accept food stamps

How to get Philippe’s French dip sandwiches delivered. Seriously.