Although construction was still going on in the restaurant, Chef Jeff Moogk was off in the corner cooking up delicious pizzas for a small crowd of media representatives.
“I don’t usually have to work in these kind of conditions,” he laughed.
Moogk was serving up Organic Arugula and Pear pizza with prosciutto, gorgonzola and Balsamic Basil dressing and chicken lettuce cups and other specialties planned for the new Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill planned for the second floor of the complex on Ventura Bouelvard and Laurel Canyon in the corner spot across from and a few doors down from .
The creator of the chain, Sami Ladeki, was also on hand.
“I love this area, I love this location in Studio City and the people here,” he said. “This is the perfect location for our 18th restaurant.”
Yes, Ladeki said he is aware of the big named celebrities who live and dine in the area, and he knows the lot is only a block away, but he said, “We are hoping to attract families and just regular people. You can bring your daughter, your mother, your spouse and have a nice meal and not have to pay $100 for it. We want this to be a place people can come to every day.”
Ladeki said he wants this Sammy’s to be a place he would eat at every day, and they have revamped the menu to make it a bit healthier—skinless chicken, not cooked in butter. The menu will have unique salads, and pastas to order with rich flavors.
Ladeki has owned and designed Sammy’s since 1989, throughout California and Nevada. He also owns a steakhouse.
In the new location, Dan Smith, the vice president of operations, said they are building enough room for 36 tables inside and 14 tables outside for seating of about 140. That is relatively small for a restaurant, but manageable.
Each Sammy’s is different. This one will have a design along the window that looks out on Ventura Boulevard, and “warm” colors. The cooking facilities will be visible and the ceiling will be a walnut color.
“We’re all very excited to open up here and get to know the people of Studio City,” Ladeki said.
For more information about Sammy's go here.
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