Envision a 40-foot runway, model-like servers and a “French diner” serving fois gras and duck confit. Oh yeah, and did we mention it’ll be open 24 hours?
The people who brought you the stylish Royale restaurant on the western edge of Downtown Los Angeles are underway on another venture. The aptly named Mode will open in three weeks at 916 S. Olive St., a sort of crossroads for the bustling Fashion District, the resident-rich South Park and the merchants in the Jewelry District.
“We are translating what we think a French bistro and diner is,” restaurateur Tony Jones told Restaurant Buzz. “I think there is some risk to being open 24 hours, but I go out enough to know that there is a market for it. It’s centrally located to common spots like Seven Grand and the Golden Gopher. The Downtown person is a very independent person that would wake up at 3 a.m. and come in to eat.”
Jones said the 3,800-square-foot space will feature a runway down the middle with frequent shows and events tied into Fashion Week and the upcoming L.A. Fashion Awards. The upper level will feature a custom green room with showers, a Jacuzzi, hair and makeup stations, and dressing rooms.
The decor is described as a bit of French glam with sky blue walls and blue and white furniture, a photo mural and about half a dozen U-shaped booths. Part lounge, a 64-foot white bench offers seating for the evening (beer and wine will be served). A video wall in the dining room will feature fashion shows.
Eric Earnest, who is also executive chef at Royale, will oversee the kitchen. Menu items will include steak frites, omelets, crusty sandwiches and pressed coffee. “The dishes will be very French but still accessible,” said Jones, whose favorite Downtown eatery is Angelique Cafe. “We are interpreting French cuisine in a style that fits Downtown.”
- Make It a Venti: Restaurant Buzz has learned a rather large detail about the new Starbucks inked to open in the under-construction L.A. Live sports and entertainment district next to Staples Center. Word is the ubiquitous Seattle coffee chain will come in at about 2,000 square feet with a sprawling patio. Though smaller than the five-story mega-’Bucks in Seoul Korea (the world’s largest), it’s still pretty impressive for Downtown Los Angeles standards. Now that’s buzzworthy.
- Royale Goes Old School: Our favorite old school crooner, Max Vontaine, whose show we’ve caught countless times Thursday night at Downtown’s Cicada Restaurant on Olive Street, is now performing his classic Sinatra/Martin repertoire at Royale restaurant. Vontaine makes the ladies swoon every Tuesday night from 9-midnight. At 2619 Wilshire Blvd., (213) 388-8488.
- Bow Wow Brunch: From the people who created an overnight room package for you and Fido, the Omni Los Angeles Hotel is inviting doggies and their owners to dine al fresco for a special brunch at the Grand Café Terrace on Sunday, Sept. 16. For humans, the menu includes items such as walnut raisin country-style French toast and smoked salmon eggs benedict. Doggie delectables will feature Barking for a Burger Bowl, Tail Chasing Veggies and Rice, and Panting Puppy Peanut Butter Patties. The meal is $14.95 for the Continental buffet or $19.95 for the deluxe buffet. The price per pooch is $6.95 (each item). Go ahead, ask for a doggy bag. At 251 S. Olive St., (213) 617-3300.
- Openings: Honda Ya, a new Japanese izakaya specializing in small plates and grilled items, opened last month on the third floor of the Little Tokyo Shopping Center (333 S. Alameda St.). The original Honda Ya is in Tustin and frequently gets rave reviews from foodies. Also in the same shopping center, Japanese dessert shop Beard Papa’s is set to open this month on the ground floor. The chain is known for its delectable custard-filled cream puffs, as well as other sweet treats such as mochi ice cream and shaved ice.
- Dining Deals: Through the end of September Arnie Morton’s is offering a steak and seafood meal for two people priced at $99. The deal includes two single cut filets; one potato and one vegetable item to share; choice of two Caesar or Morton’s salads; choice of two colossal shrimp Alexander, jumbo lump crab cake or broiled seas scallops; and choice of two desserts – the restaurant’s signature hot chocolate or key lime pie.