Celebrate The Best of Baja California with the Re-Opening of this Los Feliz Restaurant
By Matthew Kaner | Will Travel For Wine,
2024-07-02
One of the most iconic corners on the Eastside of Los Angeles rejoices— Encanto proudly announces its grand reopening—welcoming Los Angeles diners to experience its new Baja Coastal ambiance and cuisine. Encanto is located in the heart of Los Feliz in Los Angeles on the iconic Hillhurst Avenue, mere minutes away from The Greek Theatre and Griffith Observatory.
Now under new management—the Encanto team has updated the menu to spotlight coastal Baja Californian cuisine—with an emphasis on rustic wood-fired cooking, seasonal and fresh flavors, and a creative approach to classic cocktails. The menu refresh features dishes such as charcoal-roasted frutos del mar with wood-fired lobster, scallops, and red snapper served in a smoking ceramic pot, fresh ceviches, and shareable para la mesa highlights such as bone-in carne asada served with freshly made blue corn tortillas.
Following an interior renovation, Encanto boasts a lighter, more airy space with a nod to mid-century modern design, incorporating traditional Mexican cotton-woven art with touches of organic textures and materials, invoking the laid-back essence of Baja California’s coastal lifestyle. The space now has an additional 35 seats and an energetic bar area.
The transformation is inspired by a love and appreciation of the Baja Californian cuisine and hospitality-forward culture and is reflected throughout the restaurant through new menu items, art & décor, and curated wine selections highlighting Mexico’s wine-growing region. As part of the reopening, Encanto is excited to add a $10 signature margarita to the menu, served all day and made fresh daily.
“Under new management, we’re excited to share Encanto with the Los Feliz community. Known for our service and quality, Alliance Hospitality Group is dedicated to bringing this commitment to Encanto. The vibrant and artistic spirit of Los Feliz has truly inspired us. We’re confident the community will embrace our unique take on Baja cuisine!” -Travis Strickland, COO, Alliance Hospitality Group
The wine program is headed by David Taylor, Wine Director for Alliance Hospitality Group. Taylor curated the list along with LMA Wines and Mosaic Wine Alliance. In the greater Baja growing region, as well as Valle de Guadalupe specifically, winemakers are working in a region that allows for many different varietals to thrive. This is proving an opportunity for the winemakers to be creative with different winemaking methods and pursue a wide range of wine styles.
The menu and wine selection were designed with guest enjoyment and exploration in mind: the wines are meant to be fun, fresh, playful, and ultimately delicious with all of Encanto's food. Some highlights include the Chenin Blanc from Valle de Tintos . It brings out the best from all of the wonderful ceviche dishes that Chef Christopher Lin has prepared. Jump into the Frutos del Mar for something more robust and taste the flavors of beachside Baja seafood grilling right at your table. In terms of winemaking techniques that are traditional to Mexico, Encanto has procured some wines that represent both the more classic styles and flavor profiles, as well as some more contemporary stylings in the natural wine category.
Encanto is excited about up-and-coming selections on their menu with a fun, natural Cabernet Sauvignon from Vinos Valle Seco called Vino De Mi Prima Vera 2023. This one is bright, vibrant, fruit-driven, and is an easy introduction to the world of natural wine. The team appreciates the winery's commitment to sustainable practices and a more "off grid" approach to winemaking.
Encanto will be open from Tuesday through Thursday from 4-10 PM, Friday and Saturday from 4-11 PM, and Sunday from 4-9 PM, and is located at 2121 Hillhurst Avenue.
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