Urban Roadhouse Chic at Duplex

“This is such a friendly neighborhood,” says Mark Carter, “the locksmith came by and knew everybody who went past. The people from the drugstore across the street stop by to see how we are doing. It’s great.”

A nice neighborhood is exactly what Carter and his wife, Stephanie, were looking for when they went searching for a place to put their new restaurant, Duplex. They have found it on the site of the former La Petite Chaya, 1930 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles; (213) 663-2430. They have refurbished and repainted the place, turning it into a bright and cozy spot that they call an “urban roadhouse.”

“We’re just a mom-and-pop place,” says Stephanie. But an awfully young mom and pop serving pretty sophisticated food. For despite the friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices (the most expensive entree is a fabulous filet in a citrusy sauce at $15), this is high-class food. Don’t miss the oyster-and-spinach soup or the smoked chicken on spicy noodle pancake. And don’t miss dessert--Carter was once responsible for the incredible pastries at Bernard’s in the Biltmore. And I’m sure the neighborhood will be happy to hear that Duplex will be serving a three-course Sunday dinner at the very neighborly price of $20 per person.