DTLA: The Nest Opens at WP24
baby pork belly bao buns
WP24 has converted their lounge into The Nest serving small plates and cocktails. The idea came about when WP24 wanted to offer guests a place to grab a quick bite before the game or concert at nearby LA Live and Staples Center. The main dining room still serves a full menu for those seeking a leisurely meal.
Chinese pork cracklings
I was invited to the opening party which featured interesting small plates and snacks. I tried the Chinese pork cracklings, which are crispy pork skins served with a creamy spicy sauce. I looked over the menu and I would definitely order prawn toast and spring rolls with Maine lobster to snack on as well.
The baby pork belly bao buns were very good. The bao were fluffy while the pork was juicy. I liked the pickled ginger as well. This was fusion I could get down with with Chinese BBQ pork style pork belly and more traditionally Japanese pickled ginger.
Bird of Paradise
A full bar is available. I tried a 209 gin cocktail, the Bird of Paradise, which was very food friendly.
assorted sushi rolls
The Nest’s menu is pan-Asian so there were a number of sushi rolls. They’re also great for a casual meal.
veggie tempura
We went nuts over the dipping sauce for the tempura. The gochu jang chili sauce was amazing. I particularly liked it with the tempura green beans.
assorted small bites
Be sure to get the Singaporean beef puffs. These curried Wagyu beef puffs were savory and not at all greasy. The Nest also has assorted dim sum but the tiny pork dumplings with black vinegar were the best.
Being a chicken wing connoisseur, The Nest does it right with spicy and crispy chicken wings. They have a sweet and sour glaze but it’s not that sticky stuff from your local Chinese divey steam table. This is much better.
Thai curry noodles with prawns
We mostly had the small plates and appetizers but we did try a portion of the Thai curry noodles with prawns. The green curry was surprisingly spicy. And I just love my noodles and seafood-y bits. I’d come back just to get this.
kalamansi
Kalamansi (often spelled calamansi) is one of the desserts offered. After so many little bites, it was a treat to have the calamansi sorbet swirled with vanilla ice cream. Others enjoyed the matcha green tea donuts (not shown). The yuzu dipping sauce was very nice with the donuts.
The Nest would be a fun stop for happy hour with the views of Downtown Los Angeles and its twinkling lights in the evening.
900 W Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015 — (213) 743-8800© The Minty 2014