The Hungry Cat, David Lentz's decidedly more upscale and cocktail-oriented version of a Maryland fish house, will expand to Santa Monica. Eater reports that Lentz will take over the old Brass Cap location by Giorgio Baldi near the Pacific Coast Highway. When we emailed the chef, he wrote back: “Yes its true! Hopefully open up by Feb. Thinkin dinner and brunch (sat + sun)… very excited, I think its a good location despite what some think.”

We didn't ask him for clarification about that last bit, as we were too preoccupied thinking about the prospect of eating one of Lentz's fish tacos, or his Pug Burger, or a few of his lobster rolls, or maybe a chorizo-stuffed squid, and then some of the chocolate bread pudding that was reason enough for us to go to the Hollywood Hungry Cat at least a half dozen times. And the Santa Barbara Hungry Cat too, for that matter. So yes, it's a good location. Next door to where we're sitting right now would be a pretty damn fine location too, if the chef is scouting for #4 anytime soon.

Lentz also emailed that there are still tickets left for L.A. Loves Alex's Lemonade, a chef's cookout to help childhood cancer — organized by Lentz, his wife Suzanne Goin (Lucques, AOC, Tavern), and their business partner Caroline Styne — which is less than a month away. Here you go. A very good cause. Help fight cancer then go eat a Pug Burger. It all works out.

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