Author: Jack McHenry
Spitz Little Tokyo is a new twist on an old favorite. The menu includes the same great sandwiches, wraps and pita strips that garnered Spitz creators and Occidental graduates Bryce Rademan ’05 and Robert Wicklund ’05 critical acclaim from various publications at the original Eagle Rock location. Since its inception in 2008, however, Spitz Little Tokyo (LT) has served beer and wine, which is not offered in Eagle Rock, to accompany the beloved cuisine.
Within the last month, Spitz LT obtained a liquor license, allowing the Little Tokyo location to broaden its customer base by including a full bar, which features nine signature cocktails. With the downtown location, the young professional crowd and tasty beer and cocktails, “The Bar @ Spitz LT” feels like the Eagle Rock Spitz’s younger, more outgoing, little brother.
“The Bar @ Spitz LT” is a larger restaurant than its Eagle Rock counterpart with a quaint, fenced-in outdoor seating area outside on 2nd Street. This thoroughfare runs through the heart of Little Tokyo and features many shops and restaurants. Even on weeknights, 2nd street receives significant pedestrian traffic, as young professionals wander through the laid-back, convivial environment. Spitz LT’s proximity to this bustling street helps to attract potential diners to the restaurant’s comfortable interior.
A small but well-equipped full bar is nestled immediately inside to the right and is accompanied by smaller seating arrangements. Progressing through the restaurant, there are larger tables for groups, more booths in the back-right section and an exposed kitchen with a bar in the back-left. The general ambiance is mellow, with blues pouring from the speakers and hockey games silently displayed on moderately sized TVs.
Of the five bartenders currently working at Spitz LT, according to the bartender who introduced himself as Pablo, only one had previous bartending experience. Owners Rademan and Wicklund brought in renowned chef and mixologist Kathy Casey to create the signature cocktail menu. Casey also hosted a 10-hour crash course in bartending and mixology for the new bartenders. The menu she came up with is impressive, and her training was reflected in Pablo’s ability to efficiently and skillfully crank out drinks.
Offered on the happy hour menu, for instance, the Spicy Mango Chilada is an alluring option with prominent flavors. Served on the rocks, it is a bold mixture of spiced mango, pilsner style beer, lime and a shot of vodka. The mango and pilsner are the most striking tastes in the beverage, and they go together quite nicely. The spiced element to the mango gives the drink some edge, offering a sensation comparable to strong cinnamon.
The x-factor was the shot of vodka. A simple combination of the mango and pilsner would have been a tasty, yet tame drink, but the vodka gives the drink an extra kick. It was a refreshing compliment to the classic chicken wrap and pita fries with hummus, which are just as scrumptious in Little Tokyo as they are in Eagle Rock.
While the Mango Chilada was enjoyable, Pablo explained that the two most popular signature cocktails are the Basil Mandarin Mojito and the Rye Invention. The Rye Invention affirmed the “craft bar” nature of Spitz LT, which includes fresh ingredients and “jiggered” drinks, or liquor measured out in jiggers similar to the size of a shot glass. As Pablo prepared the drink, he emphasized the consistent quality of this method, evident in the Rye Invention.
After a long absence from “mixology” significance, American-made rye whiskey has just recently become trendy, and in the Rye Invention its presence drives the cocktail. Combined with the Italian orange liquor aperol and the French liquor St. Germaine, and garnished with a bit of orange peel, the Rye Invention was a delectable treat. The cocktail produced the feeling of whiskey warmth without the notorious whiskey face. The St. Germaine added a minty sensation in the middle of the drink, while the finish was distinctly orange in flavor. It was easy to see why it was an early favorite among the new signature cocktail menu.
For customers partial to beer, Spitz LT offers a small yet quality selection of draft beer. When selecting from the beers on tap, patrons may choose a pint of the local Eagle Rock Brown ale. While the Eagle Rock brown is the same shade of black as a stout, such as Guinness, it is surprisingly light in body and offers a distinct coffee finish.
Another excellent option on the lighter end of the spectrum is the Craftsman Heavenly Hefenwiezen, with the classic wheat taste of a hefenwiezen that is accentuated with a slice of orange. Like the Spicy Mango Chilada, the Craftsman perfectly complements the savory Spitz cuisine.
In addition to the great food and drink, the staff at the Little Tokyo Spitz proved to be helpful and knowledgeable, which helps explain
“[Spitz LT definitely has a] regular clientele base,” according to Pablo, who has noticed an increase in customers since the full bar opened. This is an encouraging trend for Spitz since the restaurant business is notoriously slow in September, October and November, so any kind of positive customer trending in these months is invaluable.
As far as the future is concerned, Pablo denied rumors that the Eagle Rock Spitz will start serving booze, due to its smaller size, but also stated that Rademan in Wicklund are looking to open up a third Spitz location near downtown.
“There are not a lot of bars in Little Tokyo and not a lot of bars like the one at Spitz,” Pablo said about the new full bar and cocktail menu. “The craft bar targets a niche market.”
Indeed, the bartender got to the heart of what makes this Spitz location special. Few other culinary establishments can offer the attractive package of food of the same caliber served at the Eagle Rock Spitz alongside a great menu of beer, wine and cocktails in an entertaining urban location like Little Tokyo.
When craving Mediterranean food, an exquisite beer or an exotic cocktail, do not hesitate to head to Spitz LT. The food, drink and great environment make it a great place to kick back and enjoy a relaxing culinary experience any day of the week.
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