DOWNTOWN WEEKLY THE SPIRIT OF DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM VOL 20. NO. 2 DEC 7 - DEC 13, 2023
DTLA appetite
10 GREAT PLACES for LUNCH
HOTEL Per LA Class &
Hospitality
Salons by JC
FAB GLAM HOLIDAY
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH DOWNTOWN WEEKLY
on the cover:
VOL 20. NO. 2 DEC 7 - DEC 13, 2023 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM 3
PHOTO: ERIC EPPERSON MEDIA LOCATION: HISTORIC CORE
THE PATRIARCHS
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white elephant thai fab glam holidays at salons by jc...4 10 Great places for lunch in the dt...5 white elephant thai ..6 hotel per la class & hospitality..8 map inside...11 DTLA WEEKLY
editor and chief KERI FREEMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Keri Freeman JACKSON ROBERTS REBECCA DENNING jamiie herrera abel weiss cathy chu
photography GARY LEONARD shawn smith eric epperson keri Freeman
VIDEO Production @kerieatsdtla design and layout @kerieatsdtla
social media art hunter
DTLA WEEKLY Special thanks to... All rights reserved. DownMAYOR OF LOS ANGELES town Weekly is a news, event, & Council district 14 LIFESTYLE & Hospitality FREE resource. No portion THE CITY OF LA ofcommunity this publication may be reproARTS DISTRICT duced without express written CHINATOWN permission from the publisher. WEEKLY, in support of local CIVIC DISTRICT DTLA residents, businesses, workers and BUNKER HILL visitors of Downtown Los AnEXPO/USC geles, publishes DTLA WEEKLY. HISTORIC CORE Readers are recommended to LITTLE TOKYO make appropriate inquiries before wagering any sum in relaFASHION DISTRICT tion to any ad, article or feature FINANCIAL DISTRICT published herein. DTLA WEEKLY will not be liable to any person SKID ROW for loss or damage incurred or SOUTH PARK suffered as a result of his/her WAREHOUSE DISTRICT accepting, offering to accept or any invitation or advice THEGRAWN following contained in any ad, article or ARTWALK NEWS feature published herein.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES WEEKLY
DTLA NEWS l EVENTS l LIFESTYLE I HOSPITALITY P.O. BOX 86601 - DTLA CA 90086 - WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM 888-732-DTLA (3852) @DTLAWEEKLY
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4 DTLA MAKE OVER: SALONS BY JC BY CATHY CHU
VOL 20. NO. 2 DEC 7 - DEC 13, 2023 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM
FAB GLAM HOLIDAY PARTY AT SALONS BY JC
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he holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, of course, looking your best. Salons by JC extends a warm invitation to the entire community to attend their upcoming Fab Glam Holiday Party, a night of glamour, festivities, and unity.
O
n December 13th, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Salons by JC will open their doors. Located on the mezzanine level of Metropolis, a four-structure development known to those who dwell there as “a city within a city” boasts sunsoaked decks, private amenities, and an escape to luxury living. Salons by JC being located at Metropolis means breathtaking views of the city, adding an extra layer of beauty to the experience. On December 13th, the salon will reveal a fresh new look by creating a winter wonderland for their first annual holiday celebration. Providing professional spaces for beauty and style professionals, each talent works within the confines of their private spaces, and most likely, each salon will offer each guest some type of beauty product or discount. From lymphatic massages that rejuvenate the body to hair and lash extensions that enhance natural beauty, skilled professionals will be on hand to showcase their expertise. The event will feature live hair and makeup
demonstrations, beauty trends and tips, free samples, and more to help DTLA elevate its holiday look. Hype music will help to create an unforgettable experience that will leave attendees with cherished memories, and the party will also offer a mouthwatering assortment of holiday-themed PHOTO COURTESY: SALONS BY JC appetizers to keep guests satisfied throughout the evening. Beyond the beauty, treats, and entertainment, the Fab Glam Holiday Party is an excellent opportunity for community and networking. It's also a chance for anyone looking to set up their own salon in a luxurious space without paying luxurious prices. The Fab Glam Holiday Party gift wraps their space for like-minded individuals in the beauty and salon industry to connect, forge new connections, share ideas, and expand professional networks. As a special treat, fabulous prizes and unforgettable giveaways will be available for guests. Salons by JC is dedicated to making the holiday season even more special. The salon suites will be adorned with festive decorations and twinkling lights, creating a magical backdrop for capturing holiday memories. The Fab Glam Holiday Party on December 13th from 7-9 p.m. is located at Metropolis, 877 Francisco Street, Suite #277, LA, CA 90017. @salonsbyjcdtla
DTLA APPETITE: 10 GREAT PLACES BY KERI FREEMAN
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10 GREATEST LUNCHES of 2023...
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owntown Los Angeles is delicious, with a plethora of lunch dining options that cater to every palate. From hidden gems to street tacos to upscale eateries offering inventive fusion cuisine, here's a list of the 10 GREATEST LUNCHES of 2023. Putting out the flames of hunger at Engine Company No. 28 Engine Company No. 28 sits inside a historic fire station in the Finance District and is a long-time go-to spot for DTLA business regulars. It’s said more deals have been made at Engine Co. 28 than there are fire-proof bricks in its historic firehouse facade, erected in 1912. With its rich history and unique ambiance, American comfort food takes on a whole new meaning as diners are whisked back in time with hearty meals, iconic decor, and good old-fashion service. Engine’s lunch is fueled by menu favorites like Firehouse Chili with Mignon Cubes, Chicken Breast Salad and Black Iron Shrimp. If that doesn’t put of out the flames of hunger, try dousing those hunger flames with an old-fashioned lemonade, or maybe just an old-fashioned Engine Co. No. 28 bartenders ride the fire truck from open to close. Engine Co. 28 is located at 644 South Figueroa St., LA 90017. @enginecono28
engine co no 28
Looking to eat healthy and enjoy the spices of life, city workers from the neighboring Civic District flock religiously to Tulsi daily for authentic fresh ingredients, comfortable dining areas, and exotic, hard-to-find dishes of India made from potatoes, lentils, plant-based meats, and spiced mixed veggies, all at an affordable price. Championing the Indian community, Tulsi serves full-sized dosa, a variety of curry bowls, and festive thali trays, among other delicious items for lunch, including a rainbow of lassi flavors, in the true spirit of providing the community with Indian dishes extremely hard to find outside of Asia. Tulsi Eatery is located at 408 S. Main Street, LA, CA 90012. @tulsieatery
From Lunch Til’ Late at Hatch Yakitori and Bar
hatch
Well, deck the halls with boughs of skewers; this year brought new lunch hours to one of DTLA’s favorite chill spots, Hatch Yakitori in the Finance District. So much more than fine casual dining, Hatch is well known for their Happy Hour gateway menu that leads to Chef Eric Cieolo’s tantalizing plates of bone marrow. Squid Ink Karaage, Raw Oysters, Salmon Furikake, Pork Belly, Wasabi Short Ribs, Skewers, and more.
tulsi eatery Vegetarians Rejoice at Tulsi Indian Eatery Vegetarians and lovers of Indian cuisine rejoice! Old Bank District’s Tulsi Eatery, featuring flavors from the four corners of India, is a hit with the locals.
Beverage options include sake, sake, and more sake, and a wide variety of Japanese whiskies, just in time for happy hour, or fountain drinks and mock cocktails for those who have to hurry back to work. Located in the southern base of The Bloc/ Sheraton Hotel’s open-air courtyard, Hatch keeps a steady crowd of tourists, shoppers, and locals alike all singing FA, LA, FA, LA, LA in unison over the new lunch hours at Hatch. Now open Tuesday– Friday, 11:30 a.m.–late. Hatch is located at 700 W. 7th Street, LA, CA 90017. @hatchyalater
6 DTLA APPETITE: WHITE ELEPHANT THAI BY KERI FREEMAN
VOL 20. NO. 2 DEC 7 - DEC 13, 2023 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM
white elephant thai
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culinary gem of the historic core
ith less than a handful of Thai restaurants in Downtown Los Angeles to choose from, White Elephant in the Historic Core gets a welldeserved two thumbs up. Located midway beneath the skylight dome of the Spring Arcade Building’s open-air corridor, spanning the length of Spring Street to Broadway, Frenchbaroque-styled arches mark the entrance of the 1914 marvel leading the way to White Elephant and their tantalizing variety of Thai cuisine masterpieces. “We are a small, tight-knit family with unique experiences and a passion for food. Our love and curiosity for flavor had led us on many unexpected adventures, all of which eventually culminated in White Elephant and the dishes we have to offer.” Says Earth, the oldest son of three siblings. Matriarch Jenny Suwatluckul along with her son Ten Chaiyakam and daughter Ponch Kollar make up the remaining family members who compose a daily symphony of contemporary and traditional Thai culinary notes.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ERIC EPPERSON MEDIA & WHITE ELEPHANT THAI
Bursting with flavor, the menu boasts Coconut Milk Fried Chicken, a sliced thigh coated in coconut milk and Thai herbs before frying, served with a sweet, tangy dipping sauce, rice noodles, and a choice of healthy steamed vegetables. Dishes like their Honey Pork Belly, made with slow honey-roasted Kurobuta, seared for crispness alongside fried garlic and onion, served with sticky rice, and even a side salad (usually a mini portion of one of their signature salads) top the list for customers' choice when it comes to flavor and authenticity.
passerby’s as diners sit at the tables just outside the floor-to-ceiling windows of For diners with particular food White Elephant. Other diners enjoy added choices, one can always fall back on their privacy as they fill the dining room space Pad Thai. One of Thailand’s most wellinside. known dishes, the plate is gluten-free and can be made with tofu amongst a mix of Lunch and dinner seats fill quickly vegetables with or without the egg, Wagyu with locals and visitors to White Elephant, steak, shrimp, pork, or chicken add-ons, who find safe parking in the adjacent lot while keeping the beansprouts, green just north of the restaurant's location on onions, carrots, and crushed peanuts. Spring Street.
Each dish is as carefully crafted as they are health-focused; their plates are all made with natural, highquality ingredients and can be ordered in accordance with the individual’s spice limit. Level 1 being the mildest, all the way Small orders like their 8-piece Basil up to Level 5, which should be reserved for Chicken Wings bathed in sweet and sour the more mature spice-relatable palate. garlic and topped with crispy basil can be admired from a distance by Spring Arcade
Loyal fans return to reorder their favorite dishes and explore new ones until they become friends with the staff on a firstname basis.
DTLA APPETITE: WHITE ELEPHANT THAI BY KERI FREEMAN
VOL 20. NO. 2 DEC 7 - DEC 13, 2023 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM 7
Mom, on the other hand, has always cooked at home for the family, passing down ancestral flavors to the next generation, and today she’s sharing those same traditional culinary recipes with the city. When mom hinted at wanting to open a restaurant, the three siblings decided if her dream was going to become a reality, they would pursue something with a unique purpose beyond just making ends meet. “Food has always been an integral part of our lives. I started working ever since I was able to, at 15.5 years old. My journey began as a busser, then a food runner, then a server, and I worked my way up. I moved from different eateries and experienced my styles of business, where I started picking up many foundational skills. Said Earth. “Whatever was available for me to do, I did it to the best of my ability.” On a path that helps him support his family in whatever way he can, Earth is also using the eatery to fund his schooling.
Moving into the Spring Arcade in 2020, the locals' contemporary furnishings, stair case center piece, and open kitchen turned out to be as aesthetically pleasing to the senses as their Sweet Cream Thai Tea and as longlasting and memorable as their Mango Blue Sticky Rice dessert. Although the concept of White Elephant doesn’t aim to offer every dish that Thailand has to offer, the family has managed to carefully select a few nicely packaged dishes that offer a glimpse into the bold flavors of Thai cuisine, inviting the community to join their family's journey, one really good Thai food dish at a time. White Elephant is located at 541 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013. @whiteelephantthai
8 DTLA HOSPITALITY MATTERS: HOTEL PER LA BY KERI FREEMAN
VOL 20. NO. 2 DEC 7 - DEC 13, 2023 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM
HOTEL PER LA CLASS & HOSPITALITY
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or over a century, the historic Giannini building on the corners of 7th and Olive Streets, with its reaching pillars and carved stone exteriors and interiors of brass, gold, and marble, stood destitute and undeserving of attention PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOTEL PER LA & BAR CLARA from the outside world. the calm voices and pitter-patter of Riddled with graffiti with favored wooden heels echoing off into the distance. windows and entryways Far below its layer of marble tiles half-boarded up, the and velvet cord-offs, only a chosen few monument stood only had access to the bank’s safe. A walk-in masterpiece of solid steel meant to secure as a testament to a millions in bonds, gold, paper notes, and time long ago, when finely cut, precious gems. commerce ruled the land Yet over time, the vault would empty, the and DTLA banks were rooms would empty, and the bank would king. shutter. Designed to mirror all the Italian craftsmanship and splendor architects Morgan, Walls, and Clements could muster, in those days, the building was known to the buzzing city as the Bank of Italy.
It wasn’t until 2019, after a vigorous and lengthy adapt-reuse project makeover, that the doors of the Gianinni building would open once again as the Nomad Hotel.
At Hotel Per La, visitors won’t find a conveyor line of guests cramming into every orifice or inpatient staff wondering After closing in 2020, a collaborative effort how they can inconvenience and hinder between HN Capital Partners, an active the happiness of each and every patron. Standing beneath the highest investor, owner, and operator of upscale, Instead, Hotel Per La has mastered the of ornate ceilings, illuminated by lifestyle, and luxury hotels, and awardconcept of hospitality with competent enormous draped windows of natural winning Sage Hospitality, the once-Bank valets and welcoming guest services who light, and waiting to make deposits, bank of Italy, reopened the property with newly patrons were exposed to the finest luxuries designed public spaces as Hotel Per La, as gift room keys to doors that expose jawdropping superior interior design, classic of the time. Tiffany lamps, mahogany it’s known to the world in these modern room accommodations, mesmerizing furnishings, imported tapestries, area times. views, and access to delicately prepared rugs from the Mediterranean, solid brass cuisine all in one prime location. handrails, and veined marble flooring
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10 GREATEST LUNCHES of 2023... Photo and video ops abound; visitors may choose from a runway beneath mirrored arches, a dining room and mezzanine extravagance, or even the old basement where the vintage bank vault still remains. The basement too is refurbished, and the vault is polished and ready to impress with its solid brass circular grips, making for the perfect photo backdrop. They say crème rises to the top. At Hotel Per La, it’s a quick elevator ride past 12-stories of suites to the rooftop bar and poolside luxury of Bar Clara. Bar Clara offers great options for lunch from their all-day menu, including one of DTLA’s favorite pescatarian plates, their Grilled Albacore Tuna Sandwich served on a brioche bun.
From the rooftop to the basement, no detail is left unpresentable. Open to guests of the hotel and to the public, inside the hotel’s mammoth 3500-square-foot ground-floor dining room lies a cafe, full bar, and fine dining restaurant offering spirited Italian flavors. Below a golden coffered Italianate 20-foot ceiling where bank lines and soft echoes once formed, tables filled with breakfast or dinner, accompanied by their appropriate beverages: a cup of coffee and pasty from Café Ora, a mezcal Negroni sipped over chef-prepared bar bites during Aperitivo Hour, from 5 pm to 6 pm, or fine wines over full courses of Veal Loin and Maine Lobster Rigatoni at Ristorante Per L’Ora. Spending casual days or elegant evenings inside Hotel Per La is made further possible thanks to interior designer Jaqui Seerman’s use of contemporary furnishings, airy linens, amorphic lighting, and pops of bright colors. Surrounded by thoughtfully placed foliage in decorated pots, the design helps establish a playfully refined atmosphere.
Choosing between daytime and night or accepting both as a place to explore this rooftop of gifts involves a heated pool, surrounded by rows of private gazebos and lounge chairs, and daytime or nighttime electric views of DTLA. Wait, is that a gargoyle at the end of the pool with its mouth wide open and teeth showing like some impatient watchman working the door at some of these new-age DTLA hotels? Ah no, it’s a complete replica of The Orcus Mouth, the main sculpture seen in Il Parco dei Mostri in Lazio, Italy—the god who torments evildoers in the afterlife. Good thing there are no evil doers at Hotel Per La. As new-age hotels continue to erect themselves in downtown Los Angeles, bringing their ghastly brand of newage hospitality relying on gimmicks with multiple rooms filled with cheap entertainment, where guests are barely treated, let alone treated like they are actually welcomed, it’s good to know there are a few downtown hotels that exist because of their uniquely elegant style, class, and traditional ways of patiently catering to each guest. Hotel Per La is just such a hotel. @hotelperladtla
PEZ
CANTINA
From the sea to the shore at Pez Cantina on Bunker Hill Picturesque Bunker Hill is in plain sight for lunch diners at Pez Cantina, where husband and wife duo Chef Bret Thompson and Lucy Ramirez Thompson present dishes inspired by the two’s frequent journeys to Loreto, Baja California. It seems the Thompsons are on a mission to capture the spirit and soul of this region and deliver it with a genuine mix of authentic cuisines and beverages, spirited cocktails, and one-of-a-kind outdoor solace. Imagine savoring the tantalizing combination of grilled octopus with a crispy potato-bacalao croquette, baja ponzu, and nopales pico de gallo. Or mixing seafood with earthly pleasures with the Molcajete Surf and Turf, a stew of grilled filet mignon, grilled shrimp, carnitas, nopales, and pepper jack cheese, served in a bubbling hot cauldron of smoky chorizo broth. Umbrellas block the sun from shining too brightly on their serene outside patio, yet they still allow for a captivating skyline view that serves as the backdrop for DTLA’s business elite. Whether planning a power lunch, aiming to impress a colleague, or looking to add a touch of romance to your workday, Pez Cantina is and will remain the ideal DTLA lunch destination. @pezcantina
10 DTLA APPETITE: 10 GREAT PLACES cont... BY KERI FREEMAN
VOL 20. NO. 2 DEC 7 - DEC 13, 2023 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM
10 GREATEST LUNCHES of 2023... Taco Fun at Loqui in the Arts District
loqui
in 2019. For neighbors and civic workers who gather to eat and converse within their beautifully arranged outdoor courtyard on a daily basis, Loqui has become a valued commodity for lunch crowds. Roasted salsa, tortillas, and taco meat combos at Loqui deserve every bit of praise they receive, and the atmosphere is always warm and friendly. Loqui’s commitment to offering customers a rotating menu that captures the essence of street food culture is commendable, and they have excelled in bringing the vibrant flavors of Mexico to life. As Loqui’s influence continues to grow and the Arts District continues to expand, these elements make Loqui a mustvisit lunch destination for taco lovers everywhere. Loqui is located at 803 Traction Ave., #150, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Serving Monday–Friday: 10:30– 9:00. @eatloqui
DTLA CITY GUIDE
PHOTO COURTESY: LOQUI
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eriously don’t know what’s more fun: arriving early before the lunch rush to Loqui or watching their remarkable team work in unison as they push out hundreds of delectable beef, birria, shrimp, mushroom, chicken, and pork tacos wrapped inside their signature corn and flour tortillas.
Served hot with a side of chips and guacamole, adding rice and beans, Loqui offers up solid flavors that satisfy the appetite without emptying the wallet. Founded in 2013, Loqui had humble beginnings as a weekly pop-up, but it has since become a beloved lunchtime destination with their opening in DTLA
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fixins soul kitchen
sonoritas
PHOTO COURTESY: SONORITAS
au lac PHOTO COURTESY: FIXINS SOUL KITCHEN
Lunches in South Park haven't been the same, thanks to Fixins Soul Kitchen. It’s Official Downtown LA loves us some Fixins at LA LIVE. This soulful culinary court, founded by Kevin Johnson, the All-Star basketball player, and his wife, Michelle, has become a beautiful addition to LA Live with a lunch menu that wins any championship. Ooh weeee! Johnson’s family gatherings, BBQs, and reunions at Grandma Glady’s inspire Fixins’ unforgettable menu, featuring their famous peach cobbler, fried catfish, shrimp and grits, oxtails, and more. And let’s not forget about their mac and cheese. Never before has the town tasted anything like it, as proven by Fixins’ uncanny ability to generate positive vibrations with every down-home-cooked plate.
PHOTO COURTESY: AU LAC RESTAURANT
The perfected lunch fiestas of Sonoritas in South Park Enchiladas Verdes, Rib Eye Asado, Mar y Tierra Nachos, and Salmon Burritos are just a glimpse of the delightful items on the lunch menu at Sonoritas, located in the vibrant neighborhood of South Park. Seems Sonoritas is on a relentless pursuit of culinary perfection, refining each dish, every sauce, and every ingredient to make sure lunch breaks in downtown LA come with the tastiest and most memorable dining experiences. Decorated with colorful wares from Mexico and using two walls of various spirits, including the largest selection of tequilas and mezcals, dining at Sonoritas is like stumbling upon a full-blown festival hidden in the middle of the city.
Fixins is located at 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 110, Los Angeles, CA 90015. Fixin’s is open Mon – Thurs: 11am – 9pm and Fri: Picture succulent steaks, prepared to 11am – 11pm. @fixinssoulkitchen perfection and bursting with tender, juicy, and rich flavors, or combo plates thoughtfully accompanied by spicy plates of rice and beans, along with their salsas,
tortillas, and cheese dips, all painstakingly made from scratch. At Sonoritas, it’s easy to savor every moment and every flavor. Even if it only lasts a few hours at the table, each flavorful dish will live in the memory of Downtown’s taste buds for a lifetime. Sonoritas is located at 1050 Flower St., Los Angeles, CA 90015, and opens early at 10:30 AM for lunch. @sonoritasla
Go heavy on the salad at Âu Lac on Bunker Hill. Bunker Hill’s hidden lunch gem comes in the form of Âu Lac, a sanctuary for allnatural, plant-based cuisine. One of downtown’s most sought-after eateries offers a unique dining experience that is not only delicious but also mindful of nutrition and ethical choices.
Chef Ito has lent his innovative touch of Vietnamese fusion to the Âu Lac menu, serving aesthetic plates of enzyme-rich, nutritious foods that have gained him accolades from all over the world. Âu Lac is a paradise for salad enthusiasts. Virtually everything on the menu starts as chopped veggies, legumes, and grains and is either served mixed in a bowl by salad tongs or transformed into hot faux meat dishes like fried calamari, pho beef balls, and BBQ pork rolls. These dishes are so convincing that they can fool your taste buds into thinking they contain meat. Yet, the real magic lies in the energy that replaces that heavy post-meal feeling, leaving diners invigorated and with an even less heavy conscience. Âu Lac is located at 710 West 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012, and serves lunch from Tuesday to Sunday, 12 PM to 3 PM. @aulacrestaurant