The Kitchen Next Door wound up next door to fast-casuals in Glendale

The Kitchen Next Door Glendale wasn't conceived as a "destination experience," says Kimbal Musk, co-founder of The Kitchen, which opened in Boulder in 2004. "We wanted it to be a neighborhood restaurant." This makes sense, given that Next Door -- which got its start in Boulder, too, is the more...

By Gretchen Kurtz

July 29, 2014

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The Kitchen Next Door Glendale wasn't conceived as a "destination experience," says Kimbal Musk, co-founder of The Kitchen, which opened in Boulder in 2004. "We wanted it to be a neighborhood restaurant." This makes sense, given that Next Door -- which got its start in Boulder, too, is the more casual branch of the Kitchen family. But just what is a neighborhood restaurant these days? See also: The Kittchen Next Door joins the train gang -- with a historic sign no board

In other words, when locals aren't eating at one of the three Next Door restaurants -- in Boulder, Glendale and the newest location in Union Station -- where do they go? "We probably do compete with fast casuals [in Glendale], and Modmarket down the road," says Musk.

Competing with fast casuals? A decade ago, who would've predicted that this is where the Kitchen crew would end up? Not that it's a bad extension for the brand, but it's just such a departure from where the local, seasonal, high-end bistro started.

Does Next Door Glendale feel more like the Kitchen or more like the other fast casuals in CitySet, albeit with a bar and sit-down service? Find out when my review of the Kitchen Next Door Glendale is posted here tomorrow.

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Gretchen Kurtz has worked as a writer for 25 years; during that time she's stomped grapes in Napa, eaten b'stilla in Fez, and baked with Buddy Valastro, aka the Cake Boss. Her work has appeared in publications including Boulevard (Paris), Diversion, the New York Times and Westword. Our restaurant critic since 2012, she loves helping you decide where to eat and drink tonight.

Contact: Gretchen Kurtz

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