Republique, a Magnificent New French Experience

Grid View

The old has become new. Behold, the fully transfigured room that was once the classic home of Campanile and La Brea Bakery, where both California cuisine and baking had nearly been perfected. Now, Republique, a grand dining presentation from Walter and Margarita Manzke, who took over a year to finish the build out while drawing from the building's historic past. Starting November 14, a soft-opening will be available to 50 guests a night, reservations only via OpenTable as the Manzkes finalize their dinner menu. The official debut, which will accept walk-ins and reservations, is November 25.

Using everything from custom wood finishes, copper lighting accents that were once part of the edifice, and furniture built by Walter's father, the cathedral-like space is only fitting for a chef who has already shaped L.A.'s dining scene beyond measure. With Petty Cash Taqueria as a sort of prelude, this is the magnum opus of a husband-and-wife team who are looking to radically transform the idea of refined dining in the context of an every day restaurant, from a morning and afternoon cafe, to an evening wine bar and bistro.

The whole concept is a natural progression from the Manzkes' strongest imprint on the city: Church & State. The Arts District restaurant was a textbook expression of a bustling city bistro in a part of town that was considered challenging. At Republique, expect a similar, but even more defined bistronomy menu that employs all of the state-of-the-art kitchen's prowess, from a wood-burning oven and rotisserie, to a French-made bread oven that will churn out every baked good this eatery needs.

Once regular hours start on November 25, Republique will be open Monday to Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday to Saturday until 11 p.m.

The morning cafe and bakery side won't be ready for service until about mid-December while the back dining room, which will serve a chef's tasting menu, plans to debut in early 2014.
·All Republique Coverage [~ELA~]