Crucial Plywood Report: Ilan Hall's The Gorbals

Oh, the Plywood Report is looking very fresh today. Might we suggest grilled, medium rare, sans sauce? Don't forget to hit the tip jar on your way out. Thank you. Come again.

Back again with more Hall commentary and more juice on The Gorbals. Situated on the ground floor of the old Alexandria Hotel at 501 S. Spring St., architect Jason King gutted most of the prior dining space to make room for The Gorbals' upcoming modern aesthetic. However, to add a touch of antiquity he kept the original stained glass windows, wooden moldings (visible above) and marble floors in the space that will seat about 70. As for edibles and drinkables, Ilan told us “I want everything to be completely affordable and I want people to be getting a great value," which explains his under $15 small plate menu with all wines under $40.

Despite the eclectic mix of ethnicities attached to the project, Hall states that he is staying away from “fusion” or “new age” cuisine. Rather, he describes the menu as “bits and pieces of what I grew up with and learned. I’m not going to mix things together - I just want to make really, really good dishes simply." That said, dishes slated to be served like haggis burgers, gefilte fish ‘n chips, and bacon-wrapped matzoh balls seem to fit firmly in fusion territory. Perhaps oddball fusion category? Nonetheless, pending a couple more permits, The Gorbals is set to open mid-August. And, to add to the oddball/randomness, the restaurant will also sell alcohol to go, courtesy of an off-sell permit. [EaterWire]
·Ilan Hall's Gorbals: Details, Details [~ELA~]
—Yvonne Ip

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The Gorbals

501 S Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013 213 488 3408 Visit Website