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Studio City's getting a brand new addition to its food scene later this month: a restaurant that has a restored 1969 Volkswagen Kombi Bus smack dab in the middle of it. And if that isn't already adorable enough for decor, they'll be serving Baja California-style tacos and Cuban sandwiches from inside the retro bus.
There's also something else that is unique that Ceremony will be offering: complimentary shoe shines outside the restaurant and bar for all its guests. Fancy. It has something to do with how the owner and chef, Frank Leon (La Loggia Italian Bistro, The Village), wanted to bring back the service because when he used to go clubbing a lot in the '80s, he'd get shoe shines at the nightclubs.
Fish tacos from Ceremony (Photo courtesy of Ceremony)
As for Ceremony's food concept, it's an amalgamation of Mexican, Cuban and European flavors. Think Octopus Tostada and Bistec Con Huevos Rancheros, as well as Chile Relleno En Nogada in Walnut Cream Sauce for the vegetarians. Their drinks, which were created from the mind of The Village's head barman, Matty Taylor, are inspired by the ingredients used in the beach area of Tulum, Mexico—items like Mezcal, hibiscus and tropical fruits. And if you get there for brunch, which will launch in the summer, you can even get a fresca with Mezcal lolllipops.
Leon was inspired by the 2014 Jon Favreau film, Chef, and designed the menu and decor of Ceremony around the theme. He's bringing in Cuban sandwiches into the mix because it's something that was prevalent in the film and part of his Cuban heritage.
Outside Ceremony (Photo courtesy of Ceremony)
Ceremony has a Dia de los Muertos theme, with a burned image of a skull at the entrance and murals of skeletons dancing on the walls inside. There's a large patio for some outdoor seating as well.
There isn't a hard date on the opening yet, but when Ceremony launches later this month, their hours will be Monday through Sunday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., and happy hour daily from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. They'll start offering brunch in the summer. Ceremony is located at 11814 Ventura Boulevard in Studio City, (818) 985-9222.
