Zinc Cafe Aiming Toward March Debut in Arts District

Grid View

It's not often that an Orange County concept makes it way into Los Angeles, but Zinc Cafe is looking to make more than a splash in Downtown's Arts District when it opens in late March. While the Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar locales reach around two thousand square feet, owner John Secretan hopes this ten thousand square foot monster right on Mateo Street in the heart of the hippest part of town will be a one-stop shop for the office workers and creative types in the area. Planned inside is a grab & go breakfast and lunch section, much in the vein of Bottega Louie, a full marketplace, books, and espresso service.

A nifty covered patio near the front looks out to the street, which will certainly make for a pleasant mid-morning or late afternoon hang. To the left, a twenty-person private dining space that'll be useful as a meeting place. Walking inside reveals a wide counter which will invariably sport zinc countertops, as well as a buffet-like counter service operation.

As for the fare, expect a similar menu of prepared foods, salads, and even pizzas from a wood-fired oven in the back. In addition, a full bar will sit toward the rear of the restaurant, a rarity in the area with the exception of Villains Tavern and Church & State. In addition, a swell park will populate the former truck loading dock adjacent to the space, creating a little oasis for the industrial section.

Also, don't forget to note the plywood murals, which Saracen apparently approved of when construction started about six months ago. Overnight, the murals went up and have been a fixture ever since, though they'll all come down once the plywood does in a few weeks.
·All Zinc Cafe & Market Coverage [~ELA~]