RESTAURANT NEWS : Elitism Out, Bistro In, at Opus

The shakeout in the L.A. restaurant scene has just hit one of Santa Monica’s newest and trendiest spots--Opus, the elaborate seafood establishment opened just six months ago by chef Eberhard Mueller and managing partner Charles Almond.

Their partnership is looking a bit frayed, and Almond is planning some big changes that don’t include Mueller.

“We never meant to be some kind of an elitist restaurant that was out of touch with everybody,” Almond says.

So starting Oct. 26, there will be a new bistro in what was the bar area. Entrees will be between $10 and $14 and will include non-seafood items. There will be a new fall menu for the main room, and the restaurant will open Sundays.

Money’s tight, and Almond is looking to cut expenses. Mueller, he says, will be spending less time at the restaurant.

“There is no way that Eberhard or myself or any of the people involved should draw more salary than there is business to support,” Almond says.

Mueller, who has been noticeably absent from the restaurant of late, says all of this comes as a surprise:

“This is my restaurant. I helped to create it, I am going to be there. There is no question about it.”