damian, dtla.
we.
are.
fully.
vaccinated!
while this wasn’t our first dining out experience since vaccination, it was the definitely the fanciest. of course, this is LA so "fancy” is a very relative term. we loved our experience at cosme in new york and i was already anxiously awaiting damian’s opening before the pandemic hit. fast-forward 15 months and we finally made it!
the space was gorgeous. simple and super clean, with lots of greenery to lush things up. we sat in their outdoor patio (not quite ready for indoor dining yet), an atrium between their indoor dining room and the kitchen.
waiting room: tequila anejo, pasilla mixe distillate, vermouth, sherry, coffee; kimchi martini: gin, habanero distillate, sherry, vermouth served with house kimchi.
amuse: almond mole, escabeche.
smoked clam, chili seed shoyu, cucumber.
it’s hard to not compare the menu to the one at cosme, but it’s all good things. the similarities are there, but none of it is the same. both have a focus on seafood, which i adore. the smoked clam was a standout for sure. the contrasting crunchiness and sweetness of the clam and cucumber was really delightful.
smoked clam bite.
uni tostada, caesar salad, parmigiano.
octopus huarache, potato, chipotle mayonnaise.
arrival of our mains.
tamal, russian salad, escabeche.
at cosme, we had the tataki al pastor and the duck carnitas. at damian, we had the duck al pastor, which was so good it made us both curse emphatically when we took our first bites. this is one of those dishes we wish we didn’t have to share - it’s a must order!
duck al pastor, pineapple, butter.
tortillas for duck al pastor.
duck al pastor composed.
hibiscus meringue, strawberry.
we ended the night with the hibiscus meringue for dessert and some mezcal. their mezcal list is as long as their wine list and since we’re not well versed, we just asked our server to bring us something good and interesting. and by we, i mean james, because it’s really not my thing.
learning a little about mezcal.
we had a truly wonderful evening. the service was warm and welcoming throughout, and while we’re still readjusting to being back out in public, we always felt safe and comfortable.
2132 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021
