Park It!

Somewhere in the latest flurry of nouvelle molecular gastronimacal innovations and gourmet gut tracks, an important dining experience got lost. Whatever happened to the neighborhood joint?

I’m not talking about the hole-in-the-wall down the street. I’m talking about a place filled with locals and visitors-in-the-know. I’m talking about a place who’s cuisine is recognizable and more importantly, always delicious. I’m talking about the place you meet your mom for dinner on Tuesdays and your pals for brunch on Sundays. You dig?

The Park Restaurant is just such a place. One of the best kept secrets of Echo Park, The Park (get it?) is oufitted in clean rustic decor that takes a cue or two from the shabby chic design aesthetic.

The Park serves upscale American comfort food with global influences, market fresh ingredients and a rotating seasonal menu. Park standouts include seared shrimp with chipotle butter, cornmeal pancakes, and tomato salsa, a truffled wild mushroom galette, fried mac and cheese, handmade french herb gnocchi, roast Jidori half-chicken, grilled Korobuta pork belly, and grilled polenta with brussel sprouts. (Like any good joint in the ‘hood, there’s something for everyone on The Park’s menu–from vegans to carnivores.)

Like any good neighborhood joint, The Park has themed-nights a few times a week. Tuesday nights at The Park present a three course prix-fixe menu. Next’s Tuesday’s menu is inspired by the Gauls with a starter of French onion soup or butter lettuce salad with beets, haricot verts, and almonds, the entree is steak frites with a classic bearnaise and for dessert, banana crepes with chocolate sauce. Wednesday’s boast a build-your-own burger night. Expect to find hip moms and their even-cooler kids ordering beef or veggie patties with haute toppings, such as applewood bacon, gruyere, caramelized onions and a heart-stopping (literally) fried organic egg.

Located a stone’s throw from Dodger’s Stadium and a quick jaunt from the Disney Concert Hall, word on the street is that during the summer, The Park makes lunch boxes to go. Take me out to the ballgame!

1400 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026 213.482.9209