Earlier today, Mario Del Pero and chef-partner Judy Han unveiled the second Mendocino Farms, an eco-conscious sandwich shop that replaces a computer store on the ground floor of The Citygroup Center.

To resculpt the 1800-square-foot space, Del Pero hired Poon Design (Chaya Downtown) to “articulate Chef Judy [Han’s] food architecturally.” That vision consists of Carrera marble counters, dome-shaped dropdown lamps and a communal walnut table with recycled factory machine part legs. You’ll also find plentiful patio seating and – soon enough – free WiFi with multiple outlets.

A streamlined/expanded line will allow customers to reach the registers even faster than at the California Plaza original. At the end of the line, you’ll find a Boylan soda fountain with eight different varieties, including black cherry, lemon and root beer.

The fall menu features seasonal sandwiches like Mendo’s Fish and Chef’s Secret Chips, made with black cod, crunchy “krispies,” housemade tartar sauce, crispy onions, shredded Napa cabbage slaw and tomatoes on toasted ciabatta; and the Duck Confit with roasted balsamic Jaime Farm’s Fig Spread, crispy duck skin “chicharrones,” breadcrumbs, herb aioli, chimichurri and baby spinach on ciabatta. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL MENU

In other Mendocino Farms news, Mario Del Pero and Judy Han just inked the lease for a third location at the Waterside Center in Marina del Rey, which is on track to debut at the end of February 2010. Poon Design will design the MDR location as well. Del Pero said they wanted to go to the Westside because they thought the area would embrace the Mendocino Farms approach. Del Pero was also happy to team with Caruso Affiliated, “a world class landlord.” The opportunity came about because Del Pero was in the same college fraternity as Caruso’s VP of Real Estate.

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4. Mendocino Farms – Los Angeles, CA
5. Food GPS Giveaway: Mendocino Farms MDR Party Passes

1. Pingback: caruso affiliated on April 4, 2010

1 Comment

1. carter, November 13, 2009:

   Future suggested locations might include Universal Studios, Sherman Oaks Galleria, Warner Center, Century City, Miracle Mile, Taft Building at Hollywood & Vine or across the street in the former S Bar space, Katsu-Ya adjacent.
   Really good product from good people.
   This new site should realllllly do well. Saw it yesterday, and the logistics are so much better designed that the Cal Plaza site.

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