Jurors deliberate on where to dine downtown

IN Los Angeles County, potential jurors are selected randomly from an, some would say, excessively generous 20-mile radius – which explains how so many of us end up sequestered all day in an unfamiliar neighborhood. But fortunately, along with that dreaded summons comes a silver lining: the 90-minute jury duty lunch break.

With the Superior Court’s Central District taking a full one-third of the county’s jurors, eventually we’re all likely to find ourselves doing time in downtown L.A. But that’s a stroke of lunchtime luck, thanks to a number of diversely delicious restaurants within the radius of a casual walk.

Behind a wall of bamboo, Patina (at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 141 S. Grand Ave., [213] 972-3331) offers artisan ravioli – plump with braised short ribs – and classy alfresco dining. And for much less cash and much more atmosphere, stop by the adjacent Concert Hall Café ([213] 972-3550), where jurors get 25% off. Snag a simple mozzarella sandwich or toss together some salad bar greens and then hike up to the third-floor mini-botanical garden. With the smattering of tables along the stone pathway, birds flitting through the islands of greenery and Disney Hall’s kinetic steel backdrop, lunchtime has never been so dramatically serene.

Also in the well-priced category, the pig’s blood porridge at New Battambang Chinese Cambodian restaurant (648 New High St., [213] 620-9015) sets you back a mere $5.49. This satisfyingly authentic, cash-only spot offers a lengthy menu with choices running from that-sounds-great to oh-my. A good bet is lok lak – fine chunks of marinated beef served with a lemon pepper dipping sauce, adding up to a savory-sour tang. One nice touch: the complimentary tea. Iced for summer and served hot for cool weather, it’s a house special blend, with a delicate orange hue and surprisingly creamy undertones.

And while the Guide does not advocate deliberating under the influence, it can’t be denied that La Golondrina(W-17 Olvera St., [213] 628-4349) whips up a clean, precisely calibrated rocks margarita, rimmed with just the right touch of salt and munificently portioned. Add a tortilla soup with deeply simmered pepperiness, cool and creamy slices of fresh avocado, crackling pork bites and enough gooey cheese to turn this bowl into a meal, and you’ll wonder where those 90 minutes went.