Today I got a preview of our neighborhood’s newest restaurant-to-come: Pit Fire Pizza on Washington Blvd. The building used to be a Shakey’s, but I think if you didn’t know that history, you’d never suspect it once you walk into Pit Fire. It’s gorgeous, even under construction! Big, open space inside, counter seating, indoor-outdoor eating areas — and not a mojo potato in sight, thank goodness.

Owner Paul Hibler showed me around and says they’ll be opening in a week or so. Stay tuned for the announcement! He’s quite proud of his hand-built pizza oven, called a mugnaini in Italian, just in case you didn’t know (I didn’t), as well he should be. Here’s some of the wood for that very oven, which is being seasoned in preparation for the start of pizza business.The menu will include not just pizzas, but salads and paninis as well, and since I’ve actually eaten at their North Hollywood location before — I can tell you, it’s very good.

Paul says it will be even better here in Mar Vista, and you know what? I believe him.

Pit Fire Pizza, 12924 Washington Blvd., 90066  www.pitfirepizza.com