Last night was my second visit in a week to the Brazilian eatery Wood Spoon, my new favorite in Downtown LA, owned and operated by Natalia Preira (pictured left) and Darius Danta. The place looks starkly utilitarian with its almost uncomfortable benches and white walls covered only by a few pieces of art and an obligatory wooden spoon in the back near the cash register. Interior decoration may not be the restaurant’s strength, but customers aren’t visiting for design ideas.

Before I could even get seated “comfortably,” Natalia was already recommending her special for the night, homemade Brazilian chicken pot pie, over any of the regular menu choices. I decided to accept her offer with some yam fries to start, while my companions settled for the popular pork burger and grilled sausage. We’ve learned it really doesn’t matter what you order here – every dish is unique, well-presented and delectable. Even the jar of water for the table is thoughtfully flavored with citrus fruit or stalks of cinnamon.

As we ate, each of us tasted and enthused over the other’s entrees, and I couldn’t resist to ask Natalia if these were her own recipes. She proudly told us all dishes served at Wood Spoon are her mother’s creations that she learned to cook during her childhood in Rio de Janeiro. To hear her tell the story, you easily see where Natalia’s passion for cooking is rooted. “I make chicken pot pie, and everyone loves it,” she says confidently in a thick Portuguese accent.

Even with all her charm and culinary ability, she had a difficult time finding investors who believed in her vision for a restaurant in Los Angeles. “They told me health conscious people in L.A. wouldn’t eat at a place that serves pork burgers and pot pies.” Apparently, she didn’t begin the meetings with sample platters. Even if the fare isn’t low-carb or vegetarian-friendly, there’s always a market for good food.

International Tastes

As Wood Spoon becomes more popular in the Downtown community, Natalia is broadening the Brazilian horizons with an array of international offerings. Every Saturday night between 7-11pm, they host a “community table” event where locals are invited to dine and lounge over the week’s selection of foreign food. This Saturday is Indian night, no doubt to include yummy curry and kebabs dishes. Since seating is limited on community table nights, patrons are encouraged to join the mailing list and RSVP. If anyone is interested in signing up, you can contact angelenic with your name and email address. We’ll pass along your information by the end of next week.

Address: 107 W. 9th Street, Downtown LA (between Broadway and Main Street)
Tel: 213.629.1765
Hours: Mon-Sat: 11:00am-4pm, 6pm-9pm (please confirm)