Foodie Fridays: KTCHN 105

Given KTCHN 105’s obscure location behind a nondescript, gated parking lot in downtown LA’s produce district, it should come as no surprise that the unique eatery is completely off the radar. Visiting the reservations-only spot does take a bit of planning, as it operates on very limited hours, only being open for weekend brunch, and dinner on Thursday and Friday nights. But don't let that discourage you from trying it out...

Make your way down the landscaped walkway and pass the tranquil outdoor patio, and you’ll enter the main dining room, a large, airy loft. According to KTCHN 105’s website, the space “was designed for learning, entertaining, and coming together for the appreciation of food.” As such, the open studio kitchen also plays host to private events and various specialty cooking classes throughout each month.

Love it or hate it, you’ll be taking part in communal style dining, using large banquet tables and benches. Abundant natural light illuminates the restaurant and puts a spotlight on the mouthwatering dishes and refreshing cocktails served.

If the bathroom—complete with bathtub—and open kitchen make you feel as though you’re in someone’s home, it’s because you are— you can even find a bed hidden in one corner! At KTCHN 105, you truly are being served a comforting home-cooked meal.

My brother Viranda (aka the Don Corleone of the FoundTrack empire) and I visited upon the wise suggestion of our friends and downtown dwellers Mike Cruz and Kara Marks, who you might recognize as the savvy team behind the delightful Savor Los Angeles series.

I went for the light, yet delectable house citrus cured salmon lox, which elevated the standard brunch offering to a whole new level. Served atop toasted, yet still chewy baguette slices, the thin slivers of fish were sprinkled with chopped egg and chives. The dish was really brought alive with two robust spreads, red onion-honey mustard and pesto remoulade.

V ordered the cornmeal waffle pear BLT. This was one hell of a sandwich. In addition to the standard BLT ingredients, this indulgent monster was housed in a corn waffle and contained smoked gouda, roasted corn mayo, caramelized onions, and pear maple syrup. In short, it was a sweet and well-crafted take on a typically generic sandwich.

Mike opted for the “Best Part About a Fried Egg,” which was served with home fries, while Kara went for a classic sun-dried tomato scramble. Everyone seemed pleased with their selections.

The gratis chocolate chip cookies which came with the check were a nice touch. Nothing like freshly baked cookies to ease the pain of paying your bill!

Despite serving fantastic innovative cuisine, KTCHN 105 hasn’t received tons of press like other hot brunch spots around town, and remains a hidden gem. So venture downtown and discover one of the city’s best kept secrets—you’re in for a treat!

KTCHN 105, 1250 Long Beach Ave., Los Angeles 90021; 714.720.2260; theivgroup.com/ktchn105, MAP.

NEXT TIME on Foodie Fridays: Our last post together from LA! We'll be revisiting the iconic Pacific Dining Car.

Suggestions? Mail to: foodiefridays at foundtrack dot com

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! @FoodieFridays