26 DIGS.NET | 11.9.2018
C I T Y | O S T R I C H F A R M
PHOTOGRAPHS:
COURTESY
OF
SKANDIA
SHAFER
(SPACE)
AND
IAN
MADDOX
(COCKTAILS)
W R I T T E N B Y K A R I N E M O N I É
COMMUNITY
In Echo Park, Ostrich Farm brings a locavore sensibility
to a vibrant Los Angeles neighborhood
TABLE
O
n Sunset Boulevard, a modern white façade stands out
among the colorful buildings in Echo Park. is 50-
seat restaurant, Ostrich Farm, is a family affair, born
from the vision of husband and wife Jaime Turrey and Brooke
Fruchtman. It took time for the couple to find the right space for
their dream project. Turrey, a chef who has worked in a number
of San Francisco restaurants, and Fruchtman, the designer of
Ostrich Farm who draws experience from her time as associate
vice president of marketing and guest services at the Los Angeles
Coun Museum of Art, have combined their talents as co-owners
of the restaurant.
Named for the Ostrich Farm Railway that used to run down
Sunset Boulevard and into Griffith Park, the restaurant is located
in a former pupusería, and the space was originally painted in
different tones of purple and featured a disco ball hanging from
the ceiling. It was completely transformed into a casual yet chic
eatery with tued green banquettes and wood-topped tables on
one side, and stools and a marble bar on the other, all by Sle de
Vie. Era black armchairs by onet (from Design Within Reach),
brass sconces by Doug Newton for Nightwood, and handmade
textiles add to the casual vibe. Inspired by both the legacy and
current energy of the neighborhood, Fruchtman approached every
decision with the objective of creating a place for the communi
and making people feel good. "My inspiration for the design was
the neighborhood itself," she says. "Echo Park is changing quickly,
but it's also wonderfully rooted in its history, so we wanted a space
that didn't feel too contemporary nor referential of a bygone era."
Behind the menu is chef John Hornung, who cooks over a live-
fire grill and prioritizes locally sourced products, including some
from the restaurant's own garden at the back of the proper. Cra
beers, wines and handcraed cocktails accompany the bowls,
salads and simple yet delicious plates of meat and fish. Welcoming
and delicious, laid-back yet slish, Ostrich Farm is "just California
cool and casual," concludes Fruchtman. ostrichfarmla.com
