Acclaimed Southeast Asian eatery Cassia will host its final night on February 22, 2025, after nearly a decade of business. The restaurant, part of the Rustic Canyon Family, offered modern interpretations of Singaporean, Chinese, and Vietnamese dishes with a Parisian twist.
The owners, including chefs Bryant Ng, Kim Luu-Ng, and Zoe Nathan, attributed their decision to close due to rising operational costs, sustained diminished business from 2023 entertainment-industry strikes, and the recent city wildfires. Despite this, they expressed pride in their 10-year run and the legacy left behind.
However, the group is already working on their next project, Jade Rabbit, a fast-casual Chinese American restaurant set to open in early 2025 at 2301 Santa Monica Blvd. Other members of the Rustic Canyon Family will continue to operate restaurants in Los Angeles and Ojai.
Meanwhile, Bar Monette, another venture from Chef Sean MacDonald, has closed “until further notice” due to uncertainty surrounding the city wildfires and evacuations. Burgette, a Parisian-inspired eatery next door, also remains closed.
In other news, Holy Basil, a popular Thai restaurant with multiple locations, is set to open its third outlet in Santa Monica, offering fan favorites like scallops on the half-shell and crab fried rice, in late February or early March.
Source: https://smdp.com/business/restaurant-openings-and-closings-abound-early-in-2025