Farmer’s Kitchen officially opens; a second Fraîche; newcomer Thyme Cafe

Seven years in the making, the Farmer’s Kitchen in Hollywood is officially open. At last week’s ribbon-cutting, farmers and politicians were there to salute the new cafe, which launched quietly in the spring.

The Farmer’s Kitchen uses surplus food from the Hollywood Farmers Market and is a venue for classes and job training. It’s a project of Sustainable Economic Enterprises of Los Angeles, which runs the Hollywood market and others.

The community-focused kitchen is another effort to make a link between farmers and city dwellers, says Pompea Smith, head of SEE-LA.

1555 N. Vine St., Suite 119, Hollywood, (323) 467-7600; www.hollywoodfarmerskitchen.org.

A second Fraîche

As of today, Riva in Santa Monica will become the second Fraîche, with a menu similar to the Culver City original’s (signature items include branzino en papillote and steak frites).

But the chef/pastry chef duo who opened the first Fraîche in 2007, Jason and Miho Travi, aren’t around for the changeover. “As it is right now, I’m working on a consulting basis,” Jason Travi says.

Elderoy Arendse and Sydney Hunter III are at the stoves. John Park, formerly of the Water Grill, is pastry chef.

312 Wilshire Blvd.; (310) 451-7482; www.fraicherestaurantla.com.

Casual Thyme

Maire Byrne opened Thyme Cafe & Market this week in Santa Monica. Byrne, who has worked at Aqua in San Francisco and Chez Panisse, says she wanted to create a casual, seasonally focused eatery. The menu lists potatoes au gratin, Provençal tomato tart, meatloaf sandwich and desserts such as cupcakes, cookies, scones and more. Most menu items are less than $9.

1630 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica; (310) 399-8800; www.thymecafeandmarket.com.

-- Betty Hallock, Mary MacVean and Elina Shatkin