Manuela, the American Heritage restaurant in downtown Los Angeles’ Arts District has a new al fresco concept, The Garden at Manuela. Debuting just in time for the summer months, The Garden at Manuela features a menu of Southern California-inspired dishes created by Executive Chef Kris Tominaga, complemented by a produce-driven craft cocktail menu by Beverage Director Niki Kotantoulas. Distinct from the restaurant’s patio and menu, The Garden at Manuela extends into the property’s scenic garden, with a new cocktail bar and seating for 33 guests nestled into the existing space, where the restaurant has grown ingredients and sourced eggs from 11 rare-breed chickens since opening nearly five years ago.

Open for walk-ins for dinner on Fridays (5:30-9pm) and both brunch and dinner Saturdays-Sundays (2-9pm), The Garden at Manuela sets the scene for a picturesque daytime dining experience with its colorful set-up of bright yellow tables and chairs inspired by the endless sunshine of LA. At dusk, the space transforms into a sunset oasis with twinkling lights creating a warm, convivial atmosphere where guests can escape the bustle of DTLA and enjoy a bite and a drink surrounded by both nature and street art evocative of the gallery setting.

The charming outdoor space features a standalone bar, serving a menu of bottled and canned beers, alongside seasonal cocktails including fresh takes on classic drinks like the Garden Gimlet, a refreshing mix of gin, lime, sugar and homegrown cucumber, parsley and mint. A playful take on the Florida Woman cocktail currently available at Manuela, the garden menu also includes the Florida Man, a crisp combination of blueberry-rested mezcal, Lo-Fi vermouth, lemon, and African basil. The Garden at Manuela introduces a selection of spring-inspired sangrias to the mix as well, including an Orange Sangria featuring orange wine, cantaloupe, passionfruit liqueur, lemon, and bitters; and Pink Sangria, a mix of rosé wine, watermelon juice, Meyer lemon vodka, lemon, and peach bitters.

At the center of The Garden at Manuela experience is a new menu of flavorful dishes, created by Chef Tominaga, that celebrate the soulful cuisine and locally sourced ingredients of Manuela.

By Kinya Claiborne, STYLE & SOCIETY

Photo & Video, Shelly Fleming, STYLE & SOCIETY