A Local Chef’s Tips for Having a Classic Weekend in Downtown L.A.
Chef Sujan Sarkar shares his favorite spots.
The Hotel Per La's pool. Photo by the Ingalls.
Sunset’s Insider Guide series highlights seasonal diversions and secret travel tips from local experts. Follow along as we learn where to eat, drink, stay, and shop.
Meet the insider: Sujan Sarkar, Chef/Partner at Baar Baar
Photo by Neil John Burger
Chef Sujan Sarkar grew up in a suburb of Kolkata, and while he has a real reverence towards the regional cuisines and produce of India, now he’s all about pushing the boundaries of the country’s authentic flavors at Baar Baar, which has locations in New York and Los Angeles. His playful take on cooking from the Asian subcontinent draws in a diverse and vibrant crowd, particularly during Sunday brunch, where a DJ spins as guests nosh on dishes like dahi puri with raspberry chaat masala or cauliflower with pickled kumquat and curry leaf. Here he shares some of his favorite spots in the heart of Downtown.
EAT
© Bottega Louie
For breakfast, The Original Pantry Cafe is a must. “Go early before the line gets too long.” Later in the day, head over to Bottega Louie “for wood fired pizza and pastries,” then round out the day of eating at Bavel “for great Middle Eastern food, wine, and atmosphere.”
DRINK
Neil John Burger
Perch is an excellent “rooftop bar to meet friends for happy hour,” and of course Baar Baar has a “beautiful bar,” that includes a menu of “unique cocktails inspired by Indian movies.” If you find yourself out into the wee hours of the night as many do in DTLA, head to Death & Co, “a must for great cocktails and late-night food.”
STAY
Photo by The Ingalls
Hotel Per La boasts a “cozy and tastefully designed room, and the rooftop pool is amazing.” At Hotel Figueroa you’ll find a mix “of old and modern charm. You won’t want to miss Cafe Fig for breakfast” on their ground floor. The view of the pool gives that classic California vibe. If you’re looking for something for a work trip, Citizen M is “simple, no-frills fun.”
SEE
Lex Voight
Peruse the bookshelves and “look for cookbooks at The Last Bookstore,” or explore the many works at The Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. Make sure to stop in to “check out the vendors and shop for goods at Grand Central Market,” a historic space that’s been continually operating and serving the community since 1917.
