Venice's familiar Gran Blanco is shaking things up with a dramatic pivot to Japanese izakaya-style offerings. The cocktail lounge, nestled beneath the iconic Venice sign, plans to reopen its doors today after a strategic closure. Co-founders Sam Trude and Sam Cooper revealed their plans to bring a distinct flair to the competitive Venice culinary scene, confirming, "We’ve always wanted to do a Japanese restaurant, so instead of opening a new space, we decided to shift the cuisine of Gran Blanco," according to Eater Los Angeles.
Pairing their new look with an eclectic menu, Gran Blanco is aiming to carve a niche for itself. The move to stand out in a sea of small-plate establishments reflects a recognition that, despite adding a refreshed design, the restaurant's proximity to Belle's Beach House and other local hot spots meant it had to offer something unique.
The reinvention includes a collaboration with a consulting chef well-versed in Japanese cuisine, whose identity remains under wraps as per Gran Blanco representatives talking to Eater. With a commitment to innovation and a menu that veers towards shareable dishes, the lounge has waved goodbye to its Mediterranean roots, instead welcoming Japanese-inspired options like yellowtail crudo and marinated cucumbers, priced between $8 and $36, as per Eater Los Angeles. Adding to the usual suspects are more unconventional items such as a cheeseburger spring roll and a standout wagyu steak.
Gran Blanco's cocktail menu has also undergone a metamorphosis, complementing the food with a lineup that stars yuzu and banana leaf among its ingredients. Noteworthy is the "sparkling pear cocktail," featuring pear eau de vie with a dash of Champagne and citrus oil – it prides itself on being a refreshing take on the classic highball. According to the co-founders in the interview with Eater, this move is timely, “With seven years of restaurant experience under our belt now, we feel it’s the right timing for the concept to evolve."
The bar's location, an erstwhile Bank of Venice building at 80 Windward Avenue, retains its architectural charm but boasts a redesigned interior for a more intimate atmosphere, as reported by Eater Los Angeles. Gran Blanco is set to greet guests from 5 p.m. to midnight, Wednesday through Sunday, promising a refreshed experience in the heart of Venice.
