Show 406, January 2, 2021: Executive Chef Michael Patria and Assistant General Manager, Lana Nguyen, Cara Restaurant at Cara Los Feliz

Michael Patria of Cara RestaurantOpening rather quietly without fanfare in September was the Cara Los Feliz (Hotel,) a boutique luxury property with 60 well-appointed rooms located on the western edge of Thai Town adjacent to the Los Feliz neighborhood. It’s the result of a tasteful and ambitious (and expensive) makeover of a former dowdy motel. There is obviously big money behind this project.

For foodies the major attraction is the Cara Restaurant which offers relaxed patio dining around a tranquil interior pool. The lush landscaping includes 100-year old olive trees and California Palms. It’s a touch of class with no pretentiousness whatsoever. The menu maker is Executive Chef Michael Patria, most recently with the Four Seasons Biltmore Resort in Santa Barbara. The cuisine is California-Mediterranean inspired based around ingredients sourced from local farmers using biodynamic and organic methods.

The Lemon Fettuccine with lemon and Parmesan, and Pappardelle with short rib and mushroom ragout are standout pastas.  Both are available on the Cara At Home menu.

Cara debuted with nightly dinner until the ban on patio/outside dining arriving just before Thanksgiving. In the interim Cara is providing their guests with Cara At Home with both a prix fixe menu (for 2) option and a la carte offerings. Room Service is also on the menu for Hotel Guests.

The current Cara at Home complete meal package is centered around Charcoal Smoked Chicken prepared in Chef Patria’s Big Green Egg grills. The starter is Burrata with seasonal cherry tomatoes and grilled sourdough. The accompanying veggies are roasted carrots, broccolini, winter squash and colcannon. Raspberry Galette with almond cream completes the ample meal for two.

We’ll meet Chef Patria as well as Restaurant Manager Lana Nguyen.