As a university student, it may be difficult to find time to relax between your busy school and work schedule. I have definitely felt overwhelmed as an Interior Architecture student and have managed to stay alive thanks to instant ramen noodles. When you do find the time, treat yourself to a contemporary meal in Downtown Los Angeles at Otium by Chef Timothy Hollingsworth. The restaurant’s name is derived from Latin roots meaning “a time of leisure and enjoyment”; which is definitely much needed in all of our lives.
Otium was established in 2015 after Hollingsworth left as the Chef De Cuisine at The French Laundry in Yountville, California. He has gained several awards under his apron with his most recent accomplishment as the winner of the 2018 cooking competition The Final Table on Netflix.
Otium was established in 2015 after Hollingsworth left as the Chef De Cuisine at The French Laundry in Yountville, California. He has gained several awards under his apron with his most recent accomplishment as the winner of the 2018 cooking competition The Final Table on Netflix.
"The cascading Rain Chandelier by Neptune Glassworks, Heath Ceramics tiles, Irving Place Studio plates, and wood furniture pieces by Chris Earl perfectly pair with the rustic and elegant cuisine for guests to enjoy."
His earlier career and work experience in construction is evident in the way the space is designed. The restaurant is a lively, industrial dining setting with the interior’s detailing handcrafted by local artisans. The cascading Rain Chandelier by Neptune Glassworks, Heath Ceramics tiles, Irving Place Studio plates, and wood furniture pieces by Chris Earl perfectly pair with the rustic and elegant cuisine for guests to enjoy. The menu is curated into three categories that are meant to be shared family style: brunch, lunch, and dinner.
As you pass the Broads Plaza filled with Barouni olive trees and an open lawn, the restaurant is blocked out with a mix of cladded wood, window panes, and steel. The entrance invites you into the artistic and dynamic dining and bar space. I made my brunch reservation at Otium two weeks in advance online. The host immediately greeted us and took us to our table across from the open kitchen as the food was prepared. A color palette of black and white, greens, and yellows mixed among the smell of contemporary food with expansive views of Downtown L.A.
As you pass the Broads Plaza filled with Barouni olive trees and an open lawn, the restaurant is blocked out with a mix of cladded wood, window panes, and steel. The entrance invites you into the artistic and dynamic dining and bar space. I made my brunch reservation at Otium two weeks in advance online. The host immediately greeted us and took us to our table across from the open kitchen as the food was prepared. A color palette of black and white, greens, and yellows mixed among the smell of contemporary food with expansive views of Downtown L.A.
"A color palette of black and white, greens, and yellows mixed among the smell of contemporary food with expansive views of Downtown L.A."
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Shrimp Tom Kha- $19
A different take on the Thai soup with shrimp, cucumber, tomatoes, and lettuce was a fresh and light start to the meal. As soon as the plate was placed on the table my eyes lit up, going back and forth between the bright lettuce that was neatly placed next to the vibrant mix of vegetables and light, creamy sauce. The mixture can be eaten with a fork or scooped into the lettuce cup for a healthy hands on dish. A bite into the crunch of the lettuce and softness of the shrimp is a fun contrast in textures.
Khachapouri-$25
A traditional Georgian dish of bread filled with cheese, egg, prosciutto, aleppo, and burgundy truffle. The bread is perfectly leavened with an even baked brown crust. Prosciutto delicately hangs over the crust and frames the egg, all while sitting on top of the cheese. The bread can be broken off or cut into as it’s luxuriously dipped into the egg yolk. This dish provides a savory bite every time and is a worthwhile carb to have!
A different take on the Thai soup with shrimp, cucumber, tomatoes, and lettuce was a fresh and light start to the meal. As soon as the plate was placed on the table my eyes lit up, going back and forth between the bright lettuce that was neatly placed next to the vibrant mix of vegetables and light, creamy sauce. The mixture can be eaten with a fork or scooped into the lettuce cup for a healthy hands on dish. A bite into the crunch of the lettuce and softness of the shrimp is a fun contrast in textures.
Khachapouri-$25
A traditional Georgian dish of bread filled with cheese, egg, prosciutto, aleppo, and burgundy truffle. The bread is perfectly leavened with an even baked brown crust. Prosciutto delicately hangs over the crust and frames the egg, all while sitting on top of the cheese. The bread can be broken off or cut into as it’s luxuriously dipped into the egg yolk. This dish provides a savory bite every time and is a worthwhile carb to have!
Otium provides a nice break from any responsibilities or an exploration of Downtown Los Angeles. It’s the epitome of an intersection of food, design, and culture in a restaurant setting that understands what it means to have a time of leisure. While the price point is fairly high per entree for an average college student, it’s still worth planning a visit. Sitting at Otium isn’t to just eat, but to truly dine and enjoy the mixture of different cultures and crafts through food and design.
"It’s the epitome of an intersection of food, design, and culture in a restaurant setting that understands what it means to have a time of leisure."
Otium Address: 222 S. Hope St. Los Angeles, CA 90012 Website: https://otiumla.com Phone: (213) 935-8500. |
Atmosphere 10/10
The high ceilings of the restaurant are filled with sounds from the open kitchen that merges into sounds from guests conversations. The space is flooded with natural light in between the exposed steel columns and the industrial grid chandelier formation. A balance of wood and metal surfaces create a relaxed casual ambiance. These details and exposed materials become a nice homage and connection to Hollingsworth’s early background of construction work. Price 8/10 The menu items are pricey with smaller portions, which makes the restaurant a popular travel destination spot. The quality of food and menu selection is unique and shareable for an informal dining experience with a high quality of food and price. Convenience 10/10 The location couldn’t be more perfect for anyone who loves to explore and walk around DTLA. The restaurant sits right next to The Broad museum and Walt Disney Concert Hall. There is metered street parking and valet service in front that’s $8.50 for two hours. If you plan to stay longer, there is an Athena Parking Lot across the concert hall for $10 flat rate. Service 10/10 The staff was extremely attentive and kind. Our waters were constantly refilled, the food was paced out well, and we were checked on frequently to make sure we were okay and enjoying our time. |
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