Show 107, January 24, 2015: Louie’s of Mar Vista

John AtkinsonLouie’s of Mar Vista is a true gem of a discovery in the Mar Vista area of Los Angeles located in a former butcher shop. (The renovation was an exhausting 5 years.) It’s American Bar Food A.S.A.P. (as Southern as possible.) Chef John Atkinson is the owner along with his wife Laura Develle Atkinson (who is from New Orleans.)

Laura designed the interior of Louie’s of Mar Vista. A long bar dominates the North end of the space. Visualize teak, Carrara marble, and brass fixtures.

Their attention to detail and quality is evidenced by their local honey which is used as a food ingredient as well in their premium libations (Louie’s Honey & Ginger Moonshine.) While doing the renovation a large hive of honey bees was discovered in the rafters. They were carefully relocated to proper hive boxes on the roof. The bees now live there peacefully and pay their rent in pure honey.

“Louie’s of Mar Vista is an enthusiastic celebration of Southern California food and lifestyle, living in the present with an eye on the past.” The Mar Vista Sunday Farmers’ Market takes place just outside their door. For Louie’s it’s a great source for fresh, local ingredients. They serve brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m.

They also own the very busy North End Caffe in Manhattan Beach which was featured in a frequently repeated episode of Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” on Food Network.