This just in from a tipster, looks like Sushi on La Cienega is taking the former Ronin Izakaya Bistro at 359 North La Cienega Boulevard. The image is taken from the office across the street. And, back to the incoming taco spot at West 3rd and Sweetzer, I found out last night that it will soon be christened “Plancha: A Taco Joint,” referring to a “grill” or “griddle” in Spanish… (The story behind the name change—B+S’s tangential role—after the jump.)
I caught up with owner Peter White, who explained that Blanco Tacos + Tequila in Arizona had caught wind of Blanco’s Tacos opening via B+S, and sent him a cease and desist letter, stating that the restaurant group intended to expand to Southern California and was concerned about brand confusion. White, who had decided on “Blanco’s Tacos” because of the clear connection to his name, said they could’ve fought it because it is a different name (“Blanco’s” versus “Blanco”) but decided against putting out potentially $10,000-plus toward that effort. Also, “Plancha” was already one of the top contenders for names, so White feels good about the alternate name. He also said it better to happen now before opening than after, which was a relief to hear!
In conjunction with the name, expect grilled steak, chicken and fish tacos with fresh, local ingredients, along with burritos, salads, fajitas and more at great prices—$1.50-$9.99.
Related Posts:
Eats – Weekend Development: Is Blanco’s Becoming Lanc Tacos?
Eats – On La Cienega, Chili Addiction Nearly Open, Ronin’s Remodel Turns Into Shutter
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Since you’re now friends with the owner, please explain to him that in that neighborhood he will double his business if he adds some vegetarian burrito/fajita/taco offerings to his menu. He can use beans, cheese, tofu, tempeh, seitan – lots of meat substitutes. ESPECIALLY since he’s next to a yoga studio!
Rick, I just met the owner last night, so, while he seems like a very friendly guy, I can’t say we’re old chums or anything. But, more importantly, there WILL be vegetarian options. I should have mentioned that, but he did say that in our brief conversation.
Yippee! I like the idea and the name is fine.
This sort of place is just what this neighborhood needs. A relatively fast, inexpensive place to get a healthy lunch. I’m looking forward. And the vegetarian options are all to the good!
I’m with Rick about the vegetarian in this neighborhood. I love the fact that they are using Local ingredients. Can’t wait to try it.
I experienced “Plancha”, first the service was great. Then they told me plancha means to “Iron on the grill” not to charbroil. I ordered a few street tacos that where pretty dry. The steak was over cooked and the salsa was bad. Green tasted like water and the red had no spice just a sort of plain sour taste. The pico de gao was just like baja fresh, I liked it. I also asked if they had Chicken Tortilla soup the guy told me yes. I ordered it and it was actually chicken rice but very tasty good amount of pepper. I am planning on trying the burrito I heard that the owner is the same guy who owns Benitos but I am not sure. FYI I love benitos Carne burrito and rolled tacos. I don’t understand why the rolled tacos are so much more expensive at plancha. Anyway don’t take this as a negative there new and hopefully with a little luck they will make it work. That is a hard corner we all remember the failure in Natura and that owner Jon who left a bad taste and name in the neighborhood. Hope it helps I will try 1 more time.
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