Downtown's Le Ka Swaps to Become Spear Steakhouse

Almost two years to the day from when it opened, downtown's Le Ka has called it quits. In a note posted on their website ten days ago, the Michael Kwan-backed eatery (of Wockano fame) has quietly folded in favor of Spear Restaurant, which will offer a more steakhouse-heavy vibe.

Reviews were always rather mixed with Le Ka, which got both the J. Gold and Rodell review treatment. The Times scribe decided that the restaurant was "one of those difficult places to figure out," before landing on the notion that it was a French bistro "trapped in the body of a nightclub." The Weekly found issue with the fussy menu and spotty service, determining that the place was entirely too big for the concept it was aspiring to be.

How much of that all changes with Spear remains to be seen, though it should be noted that the place ain't getting any smaller. It's the menu that's been pared down, with straightforward looks at steamed Manila clams, yellowtail ceviche, roasted Jidori chicken and plates of uni toast. Happy hour seems a better fit, with $5 palomas, draft beer and wines by the glass, plus a half dozen oysters for $10.

As we've seen lately, despite downtown's amazing restaurant growth spurt, not everything ends up being a perfect fit. But with a location that's still plenty viable and a downtown that continues to fire on all cylinders, Spear may yet have a chance.
· All Le Ka Coverage [~ELA~]
· All The Shutter Coverage [~ELA~]