 Reluctant to feed into the frenzy of over-developed restaurants and bars, I’m the first in line to check out a local mom and pop joint over one of those places any time! But curious about the newly established “Tranquility Base Lounge” about which my ears had received so much buzz, I opted to attend their grand opening. Accompanied by a faithful companion (my huge appetite, which I never leave home without), I dressed the part to attend this doopteedee-doo shindig and hit the town in my Sex and the City Carrie Bradshaw attire. I’d need a couple of drinks if I was to go out of my comfort zone and mingle with these “over-developed-bar-hopping” hipster-type (no punt intended), so first on my to-do list was to hit the bar.
Quesadilla with Cheese?!?! I’d received the restaurant’s press kit and was surprised to learn that not only do they change their menu every season, but they also change their décor accordingly. “Eco-friendly lighting schemes”, host to lunar calendar events and decorated with hanging curtains and tapestries- I was beginning to like the sound of this place. That was until I came across their “Winter Sample Menu” where I was immediately turned off by their “quesadilla with cheese” appetizer. “Quesadilla with cheese?” this Mexican girl asked herself. I didn’t know they came in any other way! Strike 1 Tranquility Lounge.
Nonetheless, I went ahead and visited the lounge, which is located at the ground level of the Sky Lofts in downtown L.A. I was once again turned off but this time around at fault were the huge, bouncer-looking guys at the entrance. Three muscle guys checking ID’s at the entrance of a restaurant was way too reminiscent of the typical club scene. Not my expectations for a sit-down restaurant. Strike 2.
What the….?!?! To my surprise, the bouncer guys were more than kind and very helpful. Taking into consideration that I was fully conscious and without an ounce of alcohol in my system, I was honestly taken by surprise when I was asked if I would be having dinner or if I preferred to sit at the bar. What the….? I’m used to the “to each his own” battle for a stool at the local bar. Clearly I was out of my comfort zone. Strike 2 scratched.
I was escorted to the bar where a grinning bartender explained the drinks of the night to me. The fruity martini drinks didn’t appeal to me but looking around the room I knew that if I listened to my inner voice, I’d be the only one there pounding shots of Cuervo and downing Coronas. Fruity martini drink it was!
My faithful companion and myself decided on a light dinner. We were escorted to the outside patio, which was a refreshing twist to the spring L.A. nightlife. A fire pit served as center of the beach-decked patio which was accompanied by easy listening music all throughout. Awkwardly, I appreciated the tall, frosted glass window that separated the patio from the sidewalk. The patio gave me the opportunity to enjoy the city’s night lights, while the contemporary decor embodied by the glimmering light of the occasional candle here and there made me feel extremely lucky to live in this great city of angels.
Extraterrestrial Mushrooms! I was beginning to get comfortable enough to forget about my resistance to liking this place. I was feeling myself begin to sell out. To make matters worse, the California roll and vegetable tempura platter that I ordered were heaven-sent. The waiter explained that the restaurant menu changed with every season and since we were now in spring, they served the freshest of greens prepared by Executive Chef Robert van Houten. Expecting the usual tempura broccoli and bell peppers, I was surprised to see what I consider mushrooms from another planet! Not only was the mushroom the size of the palm of my hand but it was also ridiculously delicious. The California rolls’ evenly cut cucumbers and evergreen avocados screamed freshness! The rolls weren’t overly exaggerated in size to the point where I had to practice jaw stretches before I could put them in my mouth. They were delicately rolled with not one single grain of rice falling out of them. These babies were most definitely California rolls á la perfection.
Toward the end of my dinner and after two of those fruity martini drinks, I was definitely at ease in this place. The service was probably the best I’d had in a very long time, the portions of my dinner were small but filling and the ambience was just what I needed-comforting, relaxing and inviting.
Selling outI stopped waiting for strike 2 and 3 somewhere between the cordial bouncers and the tasteful food. Now, feeling a part of this “group” and much more comfortable in my new surroundings, I realized that the Tranquility Lounge was very true to its name. I was calm, cool and collected and was even making googly eyes at my server. Evidently, I had sold out. I had found a new place to visit and hang with my friends. Against my will, I liked this place very much. I was glad to have ventured out of my comfort zone to experience something new. Not only was the service cordial but the food was more than excellent as well. The menu offers food varying from salmon, mini burgers, salads and the list goes on. But I had sold out enough and it was time to redeem some of my dignity. “Would you like a glass for that Corona” asked my server, “No thank you,” I replied “I’m drinking from the bottle.”
 Go out of your comfort zone and visit Tranquility Lounge at www.tranquilityloungela.com. And don’t forget to mention that your friends at Al Borde magazine sent you! Bon appétit!
801 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213.404.0588
Monday thru Friday 11:30am - 2am
Saturday 1:00pm - 2am
Sunday 10:00am - 11pm (Brunch 10am - 3pm) |
