Dine another day
EDDIE NAVARRETTE, Independent Hospitality Coalition / FE Design + Consulting
WORK • Thursday Routine
EDDIE NAVARRETTE • executive director • Independent Hospitality Coalition / FE Design + Consulting
Neighborhood you live in: Little Tokyo
It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
I’m at the FE Design + Consulting office off of East 2nd Street overlooking the entrance of the Little Tokyo Japanese Village. The office gradually fills up with team members after their respective plan-check appointments across the city. I leave to meet an eager restaurateur in Westwood to advise if an existing restaurant meets current-code compliance.
What’s on the agenda for today?
After a few meetings to share recommendations on shaping the City of LA Al Fresco Program, I’ll meet with California state leaders on State Bill AB 2550, which I authored on behalf of the Independent Hospitality Coalition (IHC). My other high priority is to reenter a heated email exchange with an LA County District Inspections Chief after threats that they’d suspend the health permit of a struggling business. Then, a quick lunch at my desk before a coffee with leaders of the Little Tokyo community.
Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
It's a little after 5p, and I'm walking to my Little Tokyo apartment. It was another day at the office, filled with inspiration and met values. Most importantly though, it's date night! My girlfriend Lien Ta and I have been texting about burgers all day. After careful debate, we've decided that we’ll try the burger at Dunsmoor — available only at their adjacent wine bar — and support the recently awarded Star Chefs' Rising Star Sommelier Rachael Davis.
How about a little leisure or culture?
Music and magic! The origin of my Fast Eddie moniker comes from me playing drums onstage during my early-’90s punk rock speed metal days. These days, I'm always good for a jazz night or a night of Latin dancing (over a decade ago, I became a competitive salsa dance performer). Or I'm always excited for a night at The Magic Castle. I appreciate the requirement to suit up.
What was your last great vacation?
My last great vacation was taking my mom to some of my favorite cities in Europe. We started in Paris. Then, we grabbed a train to Bordeaux for a few days. We continued further south to the Basque region of Spain to eat through San Sebastian and Bilbao — I always love a five-hour lunch at Asador Etxebarri. We got lost in the town of Haro after a few wine tastings and barely managed to catch the last train back to Bilbao. The trip concluded where it began — in Paris — where we indulged in pastries, more wine, and architecture. The trip changed my mom's life forever!
What store or service do you always recommend?
The omakase experience at Sushi Gen — specifically with Kazu-San.