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Treat Le Champ Like Your Arts District Living Room
Le Champ, a new French restaurant and wine bar in Los Angeles' Arts District, offers a laid-back, casual dining experience with a sprawling, mostly outdoor space. Co-owners Matt Bronfeld and chef Justin Hilbert designed the establishment to be flexible and inviting, moving away from fine dining rigidity. The restaurant, situated on an industrial corner, features 3,000 square feet of al fresco dining adorned with string lights, vintage tables, and wrought iron chairs, creating a secret garden-like ambiance.
Initially planned as a nightlife spot, Le Champ's opening in late fall led to a shift towards dinner service under heat lamps due to cooler temperatures. However, Bronfeld and Hilbert emphasize adaptability, intending to evolve the concept based on seasonal changes and customer preferences. They describe Le Champ as a 'choose-your-own-adventure' destination, allowing guests to customize their experience, whether it's for drinks, small plates, or a full meal, highlighting the flexibility in its offerings.
The menu at Le Champ is broadly French, incorporating daily specials that keep the offerings dynamic. Signature dishes include gougères with Boursin cheese, saucisson, and a French onion-style burger with caramelized onions and Gruyère. The restaurant also features market-driven specials, such as endive salad with Roquefort, pears, and walnuts, and a winter duck breast with celery root and apples, alongside a passionfruit crème brûlée. A popular item is the French onion-enhanced short rib, with specials changing regularly to maintain novelty. Weekend brunch is also available, offering French classics like croque madames and brie-filled omelets.
Le Champ's large size allows patrons to linger without pressure, fostering an atmosphere akin to an extended living room. Guests are encouraged to bring laptops during the day for coffee and cheese plates, or to transition from drinks to dinner and back to drinks in the evening. The restaurant operates continuously from lunch through dinner, with a happy hour from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. where only the all-day menu is available, complemented by discounted wine by the glass and bottle.
Bronfeld curates an accessible natural wine list, with 18 wines by the glass, none exceeding $18, and over 60 bottles, all under $100, excluding two high-end Champagnes. The selection is responsive to current trends, such as the popularity of orange wines. The inspiration for Le Champ draws from places like Lagniappe in Miami and Bacchanal in New Orleans, known for their vibey, al fresco settings and found furniture. Hilbert also points to the gritty, unpretentious energy of Roberta's in Brooklyn as an influence, aiming for a fun, casual environment where people can enjoy good food without excessive seriousness.
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