Popular Fashion District Eatery Closes
After 35 years, The Grill Table, a landmark eatery in the Los Angeles Fashion District, served its last kabob on Dec. 21.
Owner Larry Moghoyan couldn’t come to terms with his landlord, whom he said wanted an exorbitant increase in rent. Now, Moghoyan is exploring locations in the California Market Center and other areas of Los Angeles, but he said he gives the likelihood only a 50 percent chance.
Located at 103 E. Ninth St., the restaurant is central to the fashion buildings of “The Intersection” (CMC, The New Mart, the Cooper Design Space and the Gerry Building). It has been known for its kabobs and other Mediterranean fare, serving up fresh hummus, tabouleh, basmati rice and ratatouille dishes daily.
The restaurant has been a previous “Best of L.A.” winner, presented each year by the Los Angeles Downtown News.
“People come here for the friendly atmosphere and great food. I will miss the people mostly,” said Moghoyan, a French citizen who went into the restaurant business after a stint in the finance market. He is an accountant by trade. “I love to cook,” he said, adding that he also does French-food catering for several schools. Moghoyan is the seventh owner in The Grill Table's history.
Aside from serving the showrooms of the Fashion District as well as visitors including Paris Hilton and Sarah Jessica Parker, The Grill Table has attracted city of Los Angeles officials and people from the nearby Jewelry Mart. Some of the restaurant’s customers frequented The Grill Table for more than 30 years. Moghoyan can be reached at moghoyani@aol.com.—Robert McAllister
