We knew it wouldn’t long before the considerable talents of former District/Mercantile chef Kris Morningstar were back gracing L.A. and today we learn that he will work for Patina at that Renzo Piano-designed, farm-to-table restaurant Ray’s at LACMA. An earlier story claimed that Joachim Splichal was the mind behind the menu, but now a press release announces that it’s Morningstar’s menu “developed with Patina” and its big boss-man. Wood-burning oven dishes and a wood grill will be big features, with the neighboring Stark Bar (both named after Funny Girl producer Ray Stark) also featuring a menu of its own, along with Cali wines, seasonal cocktails, and “artisan beers.” Could we be lucky enough to see a return of Morningstar’s bone marrow pierogi? We hope, but between the Piano-planned glass box restaurant, a new Morningstar menu, and surrounding views of both the museum gardens and Chris Burden’s celebrated “Urban Light” arrangement, there will be plenty to dazzle us here when it opens March 4th.
Ray’s and Stark Bar, 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Mid-City. 323-857-6180.
