LA will soon become home to the first Rolling Stone venue, inspired by the iconic music and pop culture magazine. The restaurant and bar will open at LA’s Hollywood and Highland Center in summer 2010. The venture is a collaboration between Lucky Rug Group (principals are Niall Donnelly and Joe Altounian) and Rolling Stone magazine owner and editor Jann S. Wenner The multilevel space, designed by Brodin Design, will encompass more than 10,000 square feet and feature exposed black brick, tufted leather and vaulted ceilings.
Minneapolis’ Il Gatto opened in late November, offering guests an “Uptown Italian” dining experience in a comfortable, design-savvy environment. The venue sports a farmhouse table bar, black steel lights and a combination of rustic wood, sculpted terracotta and industry-gray leather in the dining room. The restaurant focuses on Italian and seafood cuisine, and boasts a well-chosen and well-priced wine list. Il Gatto is part of the Parasole Dining Group, which includes the Living Room and Prohibition at W — The Foshay, Manny’s Steakhouse and more, and Executive Chef Matt Kempf runs the kitchen. www.ilgattominneapolis.com.
Next Friday, Chicago’s Lava Lounge will close; after a makeover, it will reopen in January as a still-unnamed venue. The musical mecca will provide more seating when it becomes a classic cocktail lounge, with eight to 12 cocktails as the foundation of the menu developed by Peter Vestinos, according to Chicago’s Metromix. www.lavachicago.com.
Oak Fire Pizzeria & Pub (formerly Stone Fire Pizza Co.) has officially reopened its West Hollywood location under its new moniker and is opening an outpost in Sherman Oaks, Calif. The restaurant offers 27 thin-crust pizza options on the menu, including the Texas BBQ Brisket, Crispy Bacon & Pineapple or Vegan Sausage & Soy Cheese Pizza. Its full bar features artisan spirits, including Sazerac Rye Bourbon and Single Barrel Jack Daniels, while its beer list includes Belgian ales, IPAs and microbrews. Finally, its wine list is hand-selected and focuses on wines from California and Italy. www.oakfirepizza.com.