When it comes to restaurant development, what can $4 million get you? Oh, only a space on the 21st floor of a central downtown LA building with sushi and robata bars, indoor/outdoor tables, fire pits, a nightclub, Tag Front designing it (BOA, Katana, Blue Velvet), lots of imported materials, an impressive wine list? really, the works. Takami, a new Asian-inspired spot at 811 Wilshire Boulevard (between Figueroa and Flower), is the high-rolling restaurant at hand. We took a spin around the construction site with co-owner Emil Eyvazoff, who showed us every little detail he could: the Italian porcelain tiles, the flooring, the glass doors with bamboo embedded in it, the kimono fabrics. Takami (which means "elevated space" in Japanese) takes up the entire floor, with views in every direction from the wrap-around balcony—including the rooftop pools at the Standard Hotel (pictured above) and the Pegasus apartments. The nightclub, Elevate Lounge, will have a small dance floor, VIP tables, and easy flow to the patio. Executive chef is Kenny Yamada, who worked at both Katsu-Yas in the Valley and at SHU; the ambitious plan is to serve lunch, dinner, happy hour, and late-night menus. They could serve Cheetos and grape Kool-Aid for all we care---the view will be the reason to go. Slated for May/June opening.
The sushi bar with indoor seating
A dining area with glass walls, kimono-fabric panels, and sliding doors
The patio with indoor/outdoor bar
