Feeding Fashionistas at the Tiara Cafeacute;
Fred Eric thinks he’s found the perfect way to warm up to the fashion industry—appeal to their palates. Eric’s long-awaited Tiara Cafeacute; is set to open April 3 in The New Mart building in the Los Angeles Fashion District and the salivating has already begun.
Eric and apparel show producer Designers & Agents, which puts on the D&A and Annex shows at The New Mart and Cooper Design Space are hosting a party March 24 with industry and city dignitaries and even the USC Trojans Marching Band.
Eric, the chef/restaurateur known for his Fred 62 diner in Los Feliz, is taking a different tack with the Tiara Cafeacute;. The eatery, which takes over the space of the longstanding Sam’s Deli, will cater to fashionistas on the run with organic, healthy fare.
The restaurant, decorated in what Eric describes as Art Nouveau– meets–Japanese animeacute;, will feature a dining area with a grill as well as a pantry store area featuring fresh baked goods, grab-andgo meals and do-it-yourself “Ikea”- style food kits to take home.
“I believe in the saying, ’Eat healthy and diet less,’ and that’s what we’re trying to do here,” said Eric, who spent two years developing the cafeacute;, which he decorated with circa 1950 tiles imported from Florence and a Japanese rising sun mural finished with pixie dust.
Tiara will offer grilled meat, chicken and fish along with a fusion of Asian, Italian and Middle Eastern fare. The concept features lots of agrave; la carte items, which can be mixed and matched. Up to 30 consommeacute;style soups, “sushiwiches,” mini paninis, pizzettes and meals geared to the Zone and other diets will be offered. Bubble bread, similar to Indian nan bread, will be accompanied by a variety of dips. And instead of mints with their checks, guests will receive tidbits that can be dipped in a chocolate fountain. It’s all part of the variety. Eric said the menu at Tiara will likely be in constant flux.
“You don’t have to keep the same thing on the menu for 10 years. I like that approach. I can make my spring collection here,” said Eric, who designed his own chef’s suit.
Dinners will eventually be served to cater to the growing residential element in the fashion district.
New Mart General Manager Ethan Eller said the interest in the restaurant has been overwhelming.
“The fashion district has been crying for another great restaurant. It will be great to fill the needs of the people here in the mornings and afternoons as well as all the people who live in the lofts.”
For more information, visit www.tiara-cafe.com.
—Robert McAllister
