Ole LA

On the global culinary front, Spanish cuisine is getting a lot play these days. LA was a bit late to the party- except Jose Andres’ The Bazaar- however that’s changing with the recent opening of Smoke.Oil.Salt., a Spanish tapas-style eatery which debuted in April. Perfecto Rocher, a third-generation paella chef from Valencia, Spain is at the helm bringing a much needed Spanish influence to Los Angeles. He has collaborated with Unami Burger czar Adam Fleishman in the space that for 30 years housed Evan Kleinman’s beloved Angeli Caffe on Melrose Avenue that closed a few years ago.

Formerly of el Bulli in Spain, Gary Danko in San Francisco, and Lazy Ox Canteen in downtown LA, chef Rocher has a pretty stellar pedigree for someone in his 30’s, and LA Magazine has already given his restaurant 3 stars since its opening. The authentic Spanish seafood, restaurant and wine bar features traditional Spanish dishes that leans toward modernized Catalan favorites including, Paella- Sunday nights only- fideua, grilled fish – their Octopus is a winner- and more. The two room set-up is simple design-wise, with brick walls and wood tables that give off a seductive vibe with lots of Spanish flair on Melrose. www.smokeoilsalt.com