Small Bites: Foxtail closes, Capitol City Sports Grill opening soon, Pig ‘n Whistle coming downtown

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Eater L.A. reports that SBE’s much-hyped Foxtail has closed for what reps dub a ‘fabulous remodel’ and will ‘reopen soon under a new name.’ Foxtail debuted in March of last year (so it didn’t take long for it to lose its sizzle). At first it was a French bistro downstairs with ‘Top Chef’ contestant Antonia Lofaso at the stove, and an elite upstairs lounge with a back entrance. The restaurant never really caught on, so management shut the kitchen down. Interestingly, and perhaps against the odds, the club (which, as I wrote last year, ‘was a joint venture between Sam Nazarian and Brent Bolthouse, along with four of their most powerful friends: director Brett Ratner, NBC Entertainment co-Chairman Ben Silverman, producer Scott Stuber and super agent Patrick Whitesell’) never did become what its founders envisioned: an intimate den where Hollywood’s elite power players could unwind. Maybe its next incarnation will be.

After almost a monthlong delay, Capitol City Sports Grill expects to officially open its doors on or around Labor Day weekend. Walk-throughs are being offered and the menu of upscale bar food, written by chef Shad Davis (Belmont, Stone Fire Pizza) is close to being released. The space, which was formerly Goa, features huge sliding glass doors that will create an indoor-outdoor effect. It also boasts an astounding 40 plasma TV screens, all of which are over 60 inches. The largest HD screen is in the main bar -- it’s 14 by 8 feet. Apparently this won’t add up to sonic chaos because the place features five ‘studio zones’ where you will hear only your game. If that’s not enough, you can request wireless speakers to use at your table. Completing the ultimate sports fanatic scene: 30 beers on tap and an additional 30 to 40 in bottles. Touchdown! Capitol City Sports Grill, 1615 N. Cahuenga Blvd., L.A.

Finally, Blogdowntown reports that Pig ‘n Whistle owner Chris Breed is close to finalizing a deal to return the Pig ‘n Whistle to the location it occupied between 1926 and 1952 in downtown’s Fine Arts building on 7th Street. ‘Inside, Breed plans to focus restoration efforts on the space’s historic ceiling. He envisions an ‘old world feel’ with dark wood and historically-authentic tiles, similar to the Hollywood decor,’ the post says. But it also says the realization of this plan hinges on the acquisition of a conditional-use permit from the Zoning Administration. And that, most restaurateurs know, can certainly push your plans back a bit more than you’d like.

-- Jessica Gelt

Artist rendering: Capitol City Grill