Buddha’s Belly Restaurant Taps Rising Culinary Star Kevin Luzande as Executive Chef

LOS ANGELES - May 22, 2013 - PRLog -- A Los Angeles institution for over ten years, Buddha’s Belly restaurant with locations on Beverly Blvd. in The Grove/Mid-city district and Santa Monica, has tapped a rising star in the culinary world to serve as its new executive chef. Kevin Luzande, who most recently served as Chef de Cuisine at the renowned Playa Restaurant in Los Angeles, has taken the helm of the much loved Buddha’s Belly dining hot spot.

New menu items being introduced include:

·         Flying Fish (Market Price); a whole red snapper with a Thai dipping sauce (limited quantity available on Friday nights only)

·         Asian Paella ($34); Shrimp, Clams, Chorizo, Fried Tofu, Tamari, Egg, Cilantro, Saffron Jasmine Rice (Saturday nights only)

·         Bulgogi Ban Chan ($18); Korean rib-eye served with sides of kimchi, gochujang, seaweed salad and steamed rice buns

·         Spicy Korean Ramen with Duck Confit ($16); Onion, shitake, bean sprouts and red chili

·         Vegan Pad Thai ($9); Bok choy, broccoli, green bean, fried tofu, peanuts and rice noodles

·         Korean Tofu Crunch ($6); Garlic, scallion, gochujang, soy, sesame oil, nori

·         The dim sum menu has also been expanded to include Veggie Dumplings ($9/4) and Spinach Dumplings ($9/4) Chicken Bao ($7/2) and Pork Shumai ($9/3)

Buddha’s Belly has added community tables and introduced share-able portion sizes and has reduced prices accordingly, encouraging guests to try new and different menu items. Chef Luzande also recommends the experience of “Asian-style dining”, to encourage sharing and flavor exploration, suggesting that “Asian food is best when it first hits the middle of the table for everyone to enjoy!” Coming soon to the Beverly Blvd. location is the new Buddha Lounge. Small plates and unique, accessibly-priced craft cocktails and beers will be featured in this new space.  The perfect hang-out for defusing after work or for late night noshes with friends and private events.

“We are thrilled to have Chef Luzande join the Buddha’s Belly team”, announced owner Jonathan Chu. “Refreshing a time-honored menu was admittedly a challenge. We realize some items may be missed, but we hope our loyal guests will find new favorites with bolder flavor profiles to get excited about.”

ABOUT BUDDHA’S BELLY

Buddha’s Belly restaurants offer eclectic and wholesome Pan Asian fare featuring the distinct flavors of Japan, China, Thailand, Korea and Vietnam in a casual, friendly atmosphere. The original Buddha’s Belly restaurant was opened in 2003 by Jonathan Chu and became an instant hit with neighbors, celebrities and local sports stars. The second location in Santa Monica followed in 2008 and is popular with neighbors and tourists alike. Buddha’s Belly Beverly is located at 7475 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, phone: (323) 931-8588. The Santa Monica Buddha’s Belly is located at 205 Broadway, Santa Monica, phone: (310) 458-2500.  For more information on Buddha’s Belly, visit www.bbfood.com.

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