••• Signage has gone up for Oku at 29 E. Cabrillo (above), formerly the site of El Torito. From the website: “Tina Takaya and Ted Ellis, co-proprietors, welcome you to our newest two story restaurant on the water.” (She’s the owner of Opal on State Street.) “Our menu draws from Asian favorites that inspire and excite such as Wagyu Steak, Japanese Sushi, Chinese Dumplings, Thai Noodles and fresh local seafood.” No word yet on exactly when it’ll open, and the menus online are just placeholders.
••• This is a shame: Les Marchands wine bar/shop (above) in the Funk Zone is closing, reports the Restaurant Guy. “In celebration, Les Marchands will host a series of events throughout the next month replaying many guests’ favorites from the past six years—winemaker events, special menus and appearances from old friends [….] Les Marchands will have abbreviated hours for the next few weeks and more details of upcoming events will be announced soon. A new concept for the space will be revealed in the upcoming weeks and is slated for an October debut.”
••• Merci Montecito in the Montecito Country Mart is now serving breakfast (8 a.m. to 11 a.m.) and lunch (11 a.m.-3 p.m.), with dinner options available to go.
••• Eastside empanada specialist Buena Onda is now open Tuesdays. (The menu appears to be expanding, too. Pictured above: A recent dinner special, provoleta.)
••• Meanwhile, on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., a Peruvian restaurant called Challwa takes over the Buena Onda space. From the Restaurant Guy: “Recent specials include Lomo Saltado $20 (Peruvian style stir fried beef tenderloin, tomatoes, red onions, rice, french fries), Papa Reyena $12 (stuffed potato with ground beef and veggies, rice, rocoto cream), and Vegetarian Mushroom Ceviche $10.” Note: The website says it’ll be closed August 25 “and possibly more dates.”
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