Descanso restaurant celebrated the grand opening of its Los Angeles location on January 23.
Corporate Executive Chef Jose Angulo’s menu updates Mexico’s culinary traditions with modern techniques. Highlights include the Seafood Tower with oysters, poached lobster tail, Peruvian scallops, snow crab claws, shrimp cocktail, ceviche campechano, caperberries, morita cocktail sauce, cucumber-serrano mignonette, and lemon.
Enchiladas de Langosta feature butter-poached lobster in tortillas, and Taquitos de Camarón are made with marinated shrimp, blue corn tortillas, shredded lettuce, morita aioli, and mango-habanero salsa.
The popular Alambre, allows choice of steak, al pastor, chicken, shrimp or seasonal vegetables, complemented by bacon, onions, bell peppers, tres quesos frito, avocado toreado, serranos, micro cilantro and flour tortillas.
Located in the heart of Mid-Wilshire, the 9,000-square-foot location accommodates 240 guests and features a central bar, a main dining room, two open-air patios. In the celebrated Plancha room chefs prepare multi-course meals before guests at a communal table reminiscent of street vendors. For special occasions, a private Plancha Room for a more intimate Chef’s Table experience with a special menu of prized dishes for up to 10 people.
The restaurant will showcase artwork by local Los Angeles artists, with muralist Daniel Felechner, Erica Friend, and JP Mural (Juan Reyes) contributing pieces reflecting Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. Friend’s Coatlicue Mother of Gods and Sunflower Eclipse explore Aztec mythology and celestial themes, while Reyes honors Frida Kahlo’s legacy.
At the center of heart of the space, a show-stopping 38-seat bar will serve a variety of expertly crafted cocktails. The Margaritas Especiales include the classic El Descanso with Milagro Reposado, agave, and fresh lime, and the spicy Bad Hombre with Herradura Reposado, lime, pineapple, serrano, and a salt-and-pepper rim. Other options include the Sandía-Rita and Cucumber y Sal.
The Descanso’s Casillero Club offers exclusive access to fine limited-release agave spirits. Members can purchase rare Tequilas and Mezcals, with the option to store them in a private locker at the restaurant. Membership also includes priority reservations, first access to limited releases, and special gifts from the kitchen or bar with every visit.
Founded in Costa Mesa, California in 2018, the new venture marks a significant milestone in Descanso’s expansion beyond its Orange County roots.
As part of this special celebration, a portion of the sales during Descanso’s Grand Opening week will be donated to the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund.
For more information and the full Descanso LA menu, please visit descansorestaurantla.com