January, 2022
José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup (TFG) is excited to announce its return to Los Angeles with the opening of three brand new restaurants in Downtown Los Angeles at The Grand LA and Conrad Los Angeles. Designed by the legendary Frank Gehry, architect of Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Grand LA represents the completion of his vision for Downtown Los Angeles.
The new 305-room Conrad Los Angeles, the contemporary luxury brand’s debut in California, will be home to two original concepts from ThinkFoodGroup. Located on the 10th floor arrival lobby and with sweeping views of downtown LA, a new open-air, rooftop dining destination will offer a Latin- and Asian-inspired menu, as well as a dedicated pool-side menu designed for light and leisurely snacking and sharing.
A second original concept restaurant, also located on the 10th floor, will be dedicated to classic Spanish flavors and dishes that come alive from morning to night with California’s vibrant, farm-fresh ingredients. Magical Spanish feasts will highlight the absolute best flavors of the Golden State. Adjacent will be a dedicated lobby bar, designed to celebrate the spirit of the desert and the Pacific Ocean. The bar will showcase popular spirits and flavors from the west coast: agave, sours, spicy, and tropical. Seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables will be incorporated with just a hint of Spanish influence, like sherry.
Later in the year, Bazaar Meat by José Andrés will open as a stand-alone restaurant within The Grand LA, bringing the wild and wonderful celebration of the carnivorous to Los Angeles for the first time. The original Bazaar restaurant was born in Los Angeles in 2008 with the first Bazaar Meat opening in Las Vegas in 2014 and most recently in Chicago in 2021.
“I love Los Angeles! It is where we debuted The Bazaar years ago and since then we’ve evolved with many new stories to share through food,” said Andrés. “This city welcomed me so warmly when we first opened, and I can’t wait to return to give Angelenos and the world an exciting new destination for dining in Downtown LA.”
“Opening at The Grand LA is a remarkable opportunity to be a part of the evolution of Downtown LA,” said Sam Bakhshandehpour, President, ThinkFoodGroup. “It is not only a stunning setting thanks to Frank Gehry, but a fitting home to bring to life the creative vision José and our culinary team has for these distinct destinations.”
The Grand LA, developed by Related Companies, is Los Angeles’ newest dynamic destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, as well as a paradigm-shifting place to live.
“Great restaurants are the soul of all great neighborhoods and The Grand LA will be no exception,” said Kenneth A. Himmel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Related Urban. “As The Grand turns the page to a new chapter for Downtown Los Angeles we are thrilled to welcome back José Andrés and the entire TFG team who share our vision for a new vibrant gathering place in the heart of the City’s cultural corridor.”
Located across from Walt Disney Concert Hall, and steps away from The Broad Museum and MOCA, The Grand LA is designed to become a 24-7 entertainment and hospitality destination for residents and visitors with more than 164,000 square feet of retail space anchored by chef-driven restaurants and a collection of shops, over 400 residences and Conrad Los Angeles. The area will also include a large, vibrant public plaza with a series of landscaped, open terraces. Conrad Los Angeles will feature bold and contemporary rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows; a rejuvenating spa; private pool deck offering views of downtown; 12,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and much more. Reservations for the hotel will open in early January 2022 for stays starting in Spring 2022.
Read more about the project in the Los Angeles Times
