Urban Noodle Relocates, Chef Josef Centeno Testing Tex-Mex with Bar Amá

The paint has barely dried at Josef Centeno's white hot Bäco Mercat, and already the former Lazy Ox Canteen chef is eyeing a second project. First off, Urban Noodle on 4th Street closed its doors about a week ago, though partner Arlene Tai says the restaurant will relocate elsewhere downtown, hopefully by October. As for the cause of this shutter, LA Downtown News reports that the building's owner wants to convert Urban Noodle plus an empty spot next door into a new 2,156-square-foot restaurant with 77 seats.

Meanwhile, Daily Dish brings word that Centeno claims the aforementioned space for a Tex-Mex concept called Bar Amá, slated to open in the fall. Centeno, a San Antonio, Texas native, describes the venture as more of "a bar with a heavy emphasis on food" wherein he will serve old family Tex-Mex recipes inclusive of tacos, enchiladas, roasted meats, and veggies. At the bar one will find a tequila and mezcal heavy list of distillates and Mexican beers on tap.
·Bar Amá new Tex-Mex to open downtown [DD]
·Urban Noodle Closes, Owner Seeks New Downtown Location [LADTN]