J rates and A for weddings

     J Restaurant and Lounge Patio

For those who have dropped in from another planet or have resided on an ashram in a distant land, Downtown Los Angeles is as hot as a Rolex watch at a swap meet stand. Gone is the thought that getting married in DTLA means lining up at a store front wedding chapel that also offers passport photos and immigration advice, wedged between stores selling cheap electronics and discount clothing on maimed mannequins.  The place has been cleaned up, dressed up and ready to play hostess with the mostest.  

Just blocks away from the glitter and glam of L.A Live, J’s exemplifies everything that’s hip and happening in our renaissanced city center. The dimly lit modern décor is cozy and inviting, two qualities often overlooked in contemporary design. Not sure if it was the lighting, the excellent mimosa, or the vibe given off by the patrons, but even the exposed brick and lacquered concrete floors gave off a hip, but homey feel.

J Restaurant and Lounge is deceptively large. The two floors, three bars, and three distinct seating areas cover over 25,000 square feet. If you want to plan a party for 1,500 of your closest and dearest friends, J can accommodate. For those with a more pared down guest list, the outside patio seats between 300- 700 and the upstairs bar/lounge can hold up to 400 celebrants. Yet, despite its size, the place is very intimate. The outdoor patio is the most romantic of the three areas. Set with tropical plants, covered seating areas, a fire pit and an adjoining building wall that doubles as a huge projection screen; it’s a wonderful place to have a wedding ceremony and reception. It’s easy to imagine a newlywed couple dancing under a skylights while images of their happy past fade in and out while showing the promise for the future.

The upstairs lounge is perfect for a clubby crowd. The large dance floor will appeal to the salsa and swing dancing aficionados, while the large bar will easily help those who need a bit of liquid coaxing to get them to boogie.

Foodie brides and grooms will be happy to find they don’t have to sacrifice food quality for the restaurant’s romantic mood, nor service for the setting. Notable chef Oz Ramuco serves up delicious traditional dishes far apart from the banquet quality food we’ve all tasted at other establishments. Dessert creations, also by Ramuco, are true to L.A’s reputation of having the best desserts in the country despite our love of the lean.

J is just beginning to show up on the wedding location radar. Given how packed the place is on weekend nights and how often it is reserved for corporate events, it’s just a matter of time before booking the location for a wedding will take a year’s notice or a great connection.

For more information: J Lounge and Restaurant, 1119 South Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015. Phone: (213) 746-7746, Email: contact@jloungela.com