Sprouts & Shutters: Ocean Avenue Seafood, Fraiche, Jin Patisserie, Marina Farms

Wondering what new businesses are moving into your neighborhood, and which are saying farewell? Our Sprouts & Shutters column highlights the latest restaurant, retail and other business news in L.A.'s Westside neighborhoods. If you've noticed any other new businesses moving into your neighborhood or businesses closing up shop, leave a comment at the bottom of this article and we'll check it out.

Sprouts:

A new restaurant is evolving into another in Santa Monica. Santa Monica's Ocean Avenue Seafood at 1401 Ocean Ave. will morph this summer into the Water Grill, a popular, high-end seafood house in downtown Los Angeles known for its raw oyster bar. 

LA Eater reports that a clue has emerged suggesting the name of the new replacement for Fraiche's: Face. A new window sign says Face is "coming soon," and to expect "the Newest Experience in Contemporary Chinese Cuisine!"

In Culver City, Shojin, a Japanese organic vegan and macrobiotic restaurant, has opened in the space of Sazon Latin Fusion, the previous occupant at 12406 Washington Blvd.

A new deli is opening in Venice on Abbot Kinney. The new deli, named Belly Up, will replace Glencrest BBQ at 1146 Abbot Kinney Blvd. and should be open by late April. Meantime, a Southern-inspired restaurant named Willie Jane will open in mid March at 1031 Abbot Kinney Blvd. – replacing Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing that closed its doors.

In Marina del Rey, a Japanese-inspired Peruvian restaurant will be opening this spring serving small plates of sustainable fish. The new restaurant, named Paichẽ, will be located at 13488 Maxella Ave. next to the Marina Marketplace.

Shutters:

After almost 10 years on Abbot Kinney, Jin Patisserie will close March 24 due to a “sharp increase in rent,” according to owner Kristy Choo. The restaurant had been chosen by Huffington Post as one of the best places in L.A. to enjoy a hot chocolate. It does not have a new location lined up, and for now, will focus on cooking for wholesale customers. 

After a fire ravaged the Marina Farms market in Marina del Rey last year, the store’s owner slowly began remodeling and hoped to reopen last fall. But the building is now up for lease for $12,500 a month and is now completely empty. Commercial realtor Bill Ruane said the space became available two weeks ago.

Have you seen an opening or closing of a restaurant or shop in your community? Let us know in the comments!