Dining Faces: Warner Ebbink

The multi-tasking co-owner of Dominick's, 101 Coffee Shop and the soon-to-open Little Dom's tells us what he does in his (theoretical?) free time. Think steaks and flea markets. The man should market an energy drink. —Lonny Pugh

You met Brandon Boudet when you were both at Bar Marmont. Have you been back since it has been recently overhauled?

I have been back in the last month. A friend of mine, Shawn Hausman, did the redesign. It feels very similar. I just had drinks.

You clearly have a fondness for a classic atmosphere. Where are your favorite classic places in LA?

I have a new favorite fish taco place on Hillhurst. It's called Best Fish Taco in Ensenada. They only have two things, fish tacos or shrimp tacos. They're both equally good and they have really good salsas.

You restore vintage homes in your spare time. What is your favorite house in LA? Good design shops?

I'm a huge fan of Frank Lloyd Wright and John Lautner. I really like the organic feel of their architecture. The materials, concretes and woods that they use. One of my fave homes is the Chemosphere home. I love its simplicity, views and boldness of design.

What are your favorite stores and services to help you through your renovations?

My home in Fryman Canyon took 2 1/2 years; I contracted the whole thing. I do most of that stuff at the flea markets. I'm a proponent of the hunt. My favorite is the Pasadena City College. The main thing I like about it is that you can bring your dog. I always bring my dog, and that's not allowed at any of the others.

Any others?

I like the flea market at the Rose Bowl as well, but it's a little bit more expensive than everything else.

You sound like a busy man. How do you stay awake?

I run and box and very active in the water, surfing and swimming. My favorite beach is in Malibu. There's an area where you can go once again with dogs, by Paradise Cove.

What local restaurants have inspired you?

I like Asanebo on Ventura Boulevard. The experience is great, very traditional Japanese sushi, no designer rolls.

How about for a special occasion?

I had a great meal at Cut. The experience was very Japanese to me. Very minimal and very precise. Very scripted.

What's your favorite way to dine?

I do like the small-plates thing a lot. I always have a great meal at AOC.

10.

What's your favorite neighborhood? Where do you spend most of your time?

At this moment, I really believe in the Eastside, the Los Feliz/Silver Lake/Echo Park area. They're walking neighborhoods and there's a sense of community there. Los Feliz has been great to Little Dom's already—everyone is really friendly and tells us they're excited for us to open.