The Little Tokyo nose-to-tail offal omakase b.o.s. helmed by David Bartnes and founded by Jun Isogai shuts its doors on Saturday, Sept. 27, after almost making the one-year mark.
In some ways, we feel that we have achieved that goal. We were blessed with great media coverage, and the response from you, our valued customers, has been amazing. We are truly humbled that so many of our guests enjoyed Chef David's dishes and embraced the concept of nose-to-tail. We took a significant risk launching this ambitious concept in Little Tokyo, and unfortunately we were not able to generate enough buzz to sustain the high costs of maintaining a nose-to-tail restaurant in this location.Over on Chowhound, occasional Eater LA contributor The Offalo posted a response he received from Isogai, expanding on the reasons for the restaurant's closure, saying he thought the location had a lot to do with the success of the restaurant.
"As a destination restaurant, we actually did pretty well on Friday and Saturday nights, with many folks driving from all over to come join us. But weekdays were horrid. If any of you folks were waiting outside our restaurant for a table at Sushi Gen on a typical weekday night, you may have noticed that we were completely empty, or an a good night, had two or three tables occupied."
Isogai goes on to say that despite great reviews, he doesn't think LA was ready for a restaurant dedicated to nose-to-tail fare.
"There are plenty of folks who are curious enough to nibble on some marrow or heart at places like Bestia and Animal, but when it comes to a restaurant dedicated to all-parts-of-one-animal, perhaps it's just not what LA wants."
Isogai says the last few weeks should be considered a celebration of the food there. The restaurant remains open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5:30 to 10 p.m. until the final service.
· All Coverage of b.o.s. [~ELA~]
[Photo: Elizabeth Daniels]