2019 DOWNTOWN LA DINING GUIDE
Ziran Restaurant
Z
iran Restaurant at The L.A. Grand Hotel Downtown is an elegant venue with a relaxed atmosphere in the heart of Downtown’s Central Business District. Ziran stems from the Chinese culture of Daoism, meaning “free” or “being unique to oneself.” Ziran’s interior and menu fit naturally together into the free-flowing atmosphere of Downtown Los Angeles. With its tasteful modern art and attentive table service, an experience at Ziran will impress all who enter. Within the bright, spacious and airy open dining space of Ziran, breakfast, lunch and dinner are served, and the fare is prepared to satisfy the most discerning palate as well as the wandering eye. Ziran is made to appeal to everyone from the seasoned business traveler to families exploring Los Angeles on vacation. The creative menu focuses on contemporary California cuisine with twists from Mexican, Japanese and European influences. Come for breakfast and enjoy the popular buffet stations with a variety of hot and cold items; there is also a made to order omelet station. Start lunch with a standout appetizer like the Tuna Tartare, the fresh Burrata with Organic Heirloom Tomatoes or the sriracha-infused Popcorn shrimp. Then enjoy a tempting selection of sandwiches such as the New York Steak Sandwich or entrees like the delectable Braised Short Rib Pasta. End your day with dinner featuring a selection of organic grass fed proteins and seafood such as the seasoned Petit Filet, the Grilled Pork Chop, or the Miso Glazed Chilean Seabass. Any standout menu and atmosphere comes the force behind such wonderful creations. At Ziran that person is Executive Chef Ora-
zio Parisi, who was born in Sicily in a small town called Avola, which is famous for the almonds and grapes that produce the unique Nero d’Avola wine. Parisi grew up with a deep love for cuisine, and what began as a hobby soon turned into a career. Bringing his classic Italian culinary background to the Los Angeles area, Parisi attended the acclaimed California School of Culinary Arts, studying under renowned chefs and graduating from its Le Cordon Bleu program with highest honors. He went on to work for prominent Los Angeles restaurants, hotels (the Millennium Biltmore, L.A. Marriott and Sheraton Gateway) and the City Club of Los Angeles (Club Corp) before coming to The L.A. Grand Hotel Downtown as Executive Chef in 2016. Named the 2012 “Chef of the Year” by the Southern California Restaurant Writers’ Association, Chef Parisi’s creative cooking is primarily influenced by the quality of the ingredients, and he always adjusts his dishes around freshness and seasonality. “If it isn’t fresh, seasonal, local and delicious, it’s not on my menus,” he said. At Ziran Restaurant, Chef Parisi continues to emphasize local, fresh flavors, and he always puts a California spin on standard American cuisine. The attentive staff, stunning interior and impeccable cuisine all come together to create an unforgettable dining experience at Ziran. Whether you are there to impress associates, dine with an important client or simply want to sit down for a tasty meal, Ziran offers the right fit for any occasion. At 333 S. Figueroa St., (213) 617-1133 or thelahotel.com. Open daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m., happy hour from 4-6 p.m. daily. CUISINE: American, International, Latin, Mexican $$$
$$$
photos courtesy of Ziran Restaurant
$$$ DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM 19