It’s been almost a year now since Hancock Park bemoaned the closing of Campanille and La Brea Bakery at 624 S. La Brea. Â But it may be worth the wait, for Republique, owned by chef Walter Manzke and his multi-talented baker wife Margarita Manzke, opening later this month.
Last week Eater LA published an in-depth interview with the Manzkes, that includes photos of the couple in the midst of the renovation. They appear so humble and welcoming it makes you want to head into Republique and sit down to dinner with the couple. With Patina, Church & State and a number of international restaurants in their culinary history, their opening Republique may just bring food in this section of the La Brea corridor up a notch.
What might we find at Republique? Large “community” tables near the front, with pastry cases for daytime grazing that become charcuterie counters for the evening dinner service. The new space is designed by the couple themselves. “I have a good feeling about the design because my vision was to take the building and make it look more like it was originally built,” Manzke said in the Eater LA article.
The kitchen will also be integrated into the dining area, bringing the chef to the people. “Everyone should feel it and see it. The customers feel the same energy that the cooks feel. Good cooking is putting a smile on someone’s face. It’s something special when the whole kitchen can feel that, not just the chef. You have a direct connection with the diners,” Manzke was quoted as saying.
Stay tuned, mouths watering, for the new couple cooking, soon, in this old neighborhood haunt.
Eater LA: Walter & Margarita Manzke Reveal Details on Republique
Larchmont Buzz: Rumblings About Change on La Brea Ave
Larchmont Buzz: La Brea Bakery Open in New Location
i hear they destroyed that lovely fountain. sad