Warung Cafe downtown eclectic/diversed menu (2/08)

in Downtown Los Angeles Bank District

Warung means "family street cafe," a name inherited from a former restaurant on the site.  The "family" still fits because the team working there now is tight knit and welcoming as well as professional.

The new Pan-Asian cuisine menu at Warung Café menu features small taste dishes and hearty ones about the size of practically priced street fare.  Bold, universally appealing flavors star in its 30 inventive items that can be ordered alone or as a trio to make a full meal.  But this cuisine also satisfies the most sophisticated palate and was designed to satisfy a low key, elegant lunch crowd and the neighborhood urban hipsters in the evening.

Succulent grilled Chicken Tandoori Skewers are served with refreshing, chilled Asian cucumber tomato salad and Yougurt Raita sauce ($6).  Raita or pachadi is a South Asian/Indian condiment based on yogurt (dahi) and used as a sauce or dip.

A rack of Baby Lamb Chops ($9) placed just so over the plate to form an arch are marinated with mint basil pesto sauce and served with a crispy Arugula salad and a Middle-Eastern style yougurt cumin sauce. 

Grilled Filet Mignon ($10), a 3 ounce filet, is dressed up with taro root wasabi mash and green apple teriyaki sauce.

The colorful and satisfying  julienned Papaya and Tofu Salad with lime chili vinaigrette, and the Seafood Ceviche served in a large "seashell" crisp are already favorites and for good reason.  Chef Angel Rodriquez fills a lotus pastry shell withtuna, shrimp and scallops tossed with seasoned seaweed, alongside a small cucumber salad .  Popular hot plates are the Pan-Fried Shrimp & Scallop Toast Thai Style, served with mint and sweet chili cause, and the Wok Stir-Fried Wild Mushrooms, lightly sauteed with garlic and butter soy sauce and served with char siu buns.

Warm woods, exposed brick, bamboo, teak and shimmering red light cylinders and a highly polished concrete floor highlight the new Warung Café’s spiffy interior, accentuated with a dramatic modern art piece covering one offset wall.  “Warung” (old Indonesian spelling “waroeng” is a type of small, casual family owned .street café ), now fits into its high-energy urban surroundings.

The intimate, high-ceiling space is perfect for before or after event dining.  Warung offers an extensive list of Pan-Asian specialty beers , Sake and Soju Infusion drinks, a wide selection of international wines and a cappuccino bar. Free shuttle service to and from Music Center entertainment operates nightly.

For further information please contact: [email protected]