Vast Wasteland No More…

Downtown Los Angeles has finally turned the corner.

There are actually trendy, cool, interesting districts that are worth making the trek from the westside.

Gallery

Saturday, I made a restaurant reservation at Manuela which settled into the Arts District about two years ago.

Manuela is part of the Hauser & Wirth art gallery complex, representing over 80 artists and estates.

Hauser & Wirth was founded in1992 in Zurich by Iwan Wurth, Manuela Wirth and Ursula Hauser.

Garden

The former Globe Grain & Milling flour complex built in the late 19th century is a vibrant communal space, linking art and architecture with a dynamic events program.

There is a shop featuring handcrafted merchandise, a bookstore and four galleries.

An impressive garden located within the rustic-chic complex is a certified Wildlife Habitat.

It sports a chicken coop and herb and vegetable garden which supports Manuela, the restaurant located in the complex.

The artwork is quite eclectic.

Manuela

Manuela’s interior has created an interesting  aesthetic.

The restaurant floor is comprised of vintage planks from the original mill ceiling.

The hovering, enormous light fixtures dominate the restaurant.

Manuela Patio

Manuela features two outside dining patios.

Manuela Kitchen
Manuela Bar

Manuela has a chef’s bar and an additional bar area to dine around to enjoy the farm fresh offerings.

We started the meal with an Aperol Spritz ($12) and Ginger Basil Soda ($5).

Barbecued Oysters

We kicked lunch off with tantalizing Barbecued Oysters with smoked tomato butter, parmesan and breadcrumbs ($15).

Heirloom Tomatoes Salad

The Heirloom Tomato Salad with Cloumage farm cheese, honey vinegar, benne (sesame seed), urfa (Turkish chile pepper) and anise was amazing. The red and yellow heirloom tomatoes were sweet and perfectly ripe.

Crispy Polenta

The Crispy Polenta with creme fraiche was outrageous with probably the most flavorful Maitake mushrooms I have ever eaten. On the top was perched a farm fresh egg from their chicken coop located on the property ($18).

Snap Peas

The delicious blistered Snap Peas with black quinoa, sesame date butter and feta was enticingly aromatic. The al dente snap peas were perfectly prepared ($12).

Beignets

The dessert of piping hot Beignets with powdered sugar rivaled Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans ($9).

Manuela

Angel, our upbeat server, was spot on with his suggestions.

We walked off lunch by visiting all the art galleries within the complex and then strolled East 3rd Street lined with Let’s Get Straight To The Pint Ice Cream shop, Go Get Em Coffee and several eclectic boutiques.

Apolis 3rd Avenue Boutique

For a deliciously stimulating afternoon, check out the Hauser & Wirth arts complex and make sure to dine at Manuela.

Manuela 907 East Third Street Los Angeles, California. Open all day. Valet and street parking. Reservations on Resy.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*