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Le Ka Brings Asian-Inspired French Cuisine To Downtown

If you're hungry for a taste of global fusion, Le Ka (meaning "The Family" in French mixed with Chinese) invites you to have a seat at their table.

In the kitchen, Executive Chef Remi Lauvand (Gérard Pangaud, La Grenouille, Le Cirque, and Montrachet) utilizes his strong French background in a menu that's best described as French classics with Asian-inspired fusion. Some examples include the uni with braised oxtail atop congee, a dish that creates a unique juxtaposition of flavors and textures, with a portion size that is just right.

le-ka-1For curious carnivores, there are the wild boar albondigas and tender pork short ribs served with leeks and potato salad. The roasted black cod with oxtail ragu and potato croquettes offer up a creative spin on "surf and turf." If you're feeling indulgent, try the glazed bone marrow, complete with a garlic flan, or satisfy your duck liver withdrawals with chicken "faux gras," an impressive alternative that won't disappoint.

At the bar, Andrew Parish (mixologist and bar manager) mans the helm, showcasing cocktails that are reason enough to visit. With a combination of cutting-edge molecular mixology techniques, premium spirits and riffs on classics, his creations impress discriminating palates of all sorts.

le-ka-2Order the "Darkened Path" (Parish's twist on a dark and stormy). Rather than using ginger beer, he combines freshly juiced ginger, lime juice and honey syrup, all of which add depth and an effervescent feel. The "Banana Butter Rum" makes a fantastic treat on cold nights; it's made with a mixture of butter, banana, brown sugar and other secret spices that are frothed with Diplomatico Grande Reserve and hot water. For those who prefer the classics, the "Vieux Carre" is a must, made from a recipe created in 1930 from the famous Carousel Bar in New Orleans.

In addition to lunch and dinner, Le Ka offers a happy hour menu Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. and on Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m. Select items from the regular menu are offered at prices sure to make you smile, including charcuterie, cheese, small plate favorites and more. Beer and wine offerings can be enjoyed at $5 to $7. This establishment is also one of the few open late night in Downtown Monday through Saturday from 11p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday from11 p.m. to midnight.

Le Ka Restaurant

800 W 6th St
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 688-3000
www.lekarestaurant.com

Joy Bitonio has the phrase "Joie de Vivre" tattooed on her shoulder, a reminder to enjoy life every single day. She has a voracious appetite for fun, adventure, food, good cocktails and works out like a madwoman to keep it all together. Check out her other articles on CBS L.A. She also covers fitness on Examiner. Follow her on Twitter.

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