The small, ambitious restaurant is like a rolling dinner party for the neighborhood. Long tables, small plates, natural wines and no reservations. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
A look at Cortez restaurant in Echo Park.
The Echo Park restaurant is by the same people behind Cookbook. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Seared Cana de Oveja with field greens. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
From the brunch menu, chorizo, fingerling potatoes and a fried egg. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Chef Alex Westphal, left, and line cook Andres Fernandez, right, in Cortez’s kitchen. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Roasted Brussels sprouts with apples, hazelnuts and brown butter. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Rabbit escabeche with socca. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Muscovy duck breast with savory cabbage, black lentils and ginger. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
