Cafe La Rue Update & Name Switcheroo at La Valencia

Eater's checking in with some of our summer opening subjects who have yet to open their doors to find out what the hold up is.

The transformation of La Valencia's Whaling Bar into Cafe La Rue was due to be complete by Labor Day, but additional time has been needed to shore up the infrastructure of the 80+ year old hotel, says managing director Mark Dibella.

The central U-shaped bar is in place, and next comes the pouring of an intricate terrazzo flooring; they're also awaiting the permitting for six tables of sidewalk seating. Dibella anticipates the project to be completed by late October.

The property's executive chef, Daniel Barron, plans to announce a chef hire for La Rue in the next week or two, but the menu is nearly complete. Expect a lineup inspired by European cuisine alongside dishes that honor the hotel's history, so that means mussels and baguette sandwiches to classic fish and chips. La Valencia's famous paella, once offered in their Mediterranean Room, will now be served at Cafe La Rue.

As for the Mediterranean Room, it'll close down for a quick refresh when Cafe La Rue opens and re-emerge with a new name, The Med Room,. The food will still be refined but the setting more modern and the cuisine centered around the New American style. Barron, who just hired Kyle Bergman as The Med's new chef de cuisine, has already been making changes, including dry-aging their beef in house and crafting charcuterie.
· La Valencia Hotel [Official Site]
· All Spot Check Coverage on Eater [~ESD~]