Immersive hospitality visionaries Mark and Jonnie Houston have launched Level 8 in Los Angeles in collaboration with Mitchell Hochberg of LightstoneDesign Studio. This dining, drinking and entertainment experience comprises eight venues, occupying the entirety of the eighth floor of the recently launched Moxy and AC Hotel Downtown LA, located directly across the street from Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center.
The design and conceptualization of the 30,000-square-foot Level 8 was led by the Houston Brothers in collaboration with Lightstone, Undisclosable and Basile Studio. Together, the team created a maze of venues with "theatrical moments at every turn," from a 40-foot Earth Harp stretched across the ceiling of Lucky Mizu to a trapeze artist descending from a chandelier in Mr. Wanderlust.
The Level 8 journey commences at Mr. Wanderlust, a piano bar and jazz lounge. As guests step into Mr. Wanderlust, they are welcomed into a library. A dark oak host stand serves as the centerpiece, while above, aerialists will gracefully swing from a chandelier. Entering through a hidden passageway, guests may venture further into a lounge. As the evening unfolds, the stage is revealed, and a pianist or performer begins a show. Guests can enjoy a range of cocktails and light bites.
From Mr. Wanderlust, visitors can embark on their culinary voyage through one of two secret speakeasy entrances. The first entrance leads to Maison Kasai, the French-Japanese teppanyaki restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Joshua Gil. The second entrance leads them to Lucky Mizu by Chef Hisae Stuck.
The 30-seat Lucky Mizu is anchored in the art of cooking with water, including shabu-shabu (boil) and seiro-mushi (steam). The culinary journey begins with snacks and raw dishes, followed by a choice of seiro mushi or shabu shabu set entrée, along with a variety of broths. Specialty libations, including rice-based spirits and umeshu, complete the experience. Above the bar, on a platform, musicians will perform on a 40-foot Earth Harp that stretches diagonally from one corner of the room to the other, and on drums, giving the impression of dining in a music box.
The journey into Maison Kasai begins in Mr. Wanderlust where guests will be guided into the restaurant through a secret entryway. The teppanyaki tables serve as platforms where chefs will prepare each course with a culinary performance. Complementing each dish is a selection of sake, shōchū and craft cocktails.
Guests can discover the diversity of South American cuisine through the tradition of live fire cooking at Qué Barbaro by Chef Ray Garcia. This restaurant has a wood-fired open grill in the center and offers cocktails designed to complement the cuisine. There’s an outdoor bar for those seeking an alfresco dining experience.
Qué Barbaro spills out onto Golden Hour, a Miami-meets-Copacabana rooftop pool deck, which transforms to an outdoor lounge with DJs and live entertainment in the evening. Golden Hour’s large rotating carousel bar is visible from the street. It offers private cabanas, swing seats, convertible lounge chairs, and Copacabana-style patterned tiles surrounding two swimming pools.
Opening later this month on Level 8’s expansive outdoor terrace is The Brown Sheep by Chef Ray Garcia. Modeled after a classic street eats vehicle, the “vintage” truck invites guests to place orders at the fixed counter, replicating a street food experience. As the sun sets, the terrace comes alive DJs spin, setting the stage for a quintessential experience.
Beyond a wall adorned with pink bougainvillea and wrought iron gates lies Mother of Pearl, a champagne & oyster bar from Chef Joshua Gil. Also located at Level 8’s outdoor terrace and opening later this month, Mother of Pearl showcases locally sourced ingredients, creating innovative variations of traditional flavors.
Also opening later this month is Sinners y Santos, a nightclub celebrating El Santo, the Mexican luchador and folk hero. While savoring specialty agave cocktails served in ornate chalices, clubbers are mesmerized by surprise performances that pay tribute to El Santo’s extraordinary career during the 1950s and ’60s.
For more information, visit www.level8dtla.com.
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