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| Dining Incognito |
Patina
Tara Weingarten
08/02/2004
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Seldom do the words “Disney” and “fine dining” appear in the same sentence.
(After all, the theme parks’ signature item is Mickey-shaped chicken nuggets.)
But since Patina, one of Los Angeles’ most celebrated restaurants, reopened
downtown at the new Walt Disney Concert Hall, the two have become synonymous.
Superstar chef Joachim Splichal’s reborn Patina is a fresh interpretation of his
former restaurant, which thrilled diners for 14 years before closing in
2003.
 Inside the architecturally celebrated concert hall is a chef’s table to
rival any of the city’s private dining rooms. Patina’s new contemporary setting
fits seamlessly into the concert hall’s strikingly modern styling. Folding and
undulating stainless steel sheets wrap around the building exterior, exuding the
ethereal, physical construct of a symphony.
Just to the right of Patina’s
intimate bar is a gossamer, oyster-hued linen curtain. Pull the curtain aside to
reveal a minimally set table for up to 12 guests. Twelve bright-orange water
glasses add color to the dark wood table, set with crisp, white napkins. Unlike
other elegant dining rooms that showcase original artwork, the focus here is on
the frenetic drama of the kitchen, as seen through the 7½-foot picture window.
The walls are unadorned, save for one hewn from wavy dark walnut, laser cut to
appear like a theater curtain.
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