Jason Ha Expanding Arts District Dining Empire
Ed Fuentes
In March, Jason Ha plans to add a third restaurant to his existing pair of eateries at 3rd and Traction.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Restaurateur Jason Ha has his sights set on feeding the Arts District. The owner of the popular Zip Fusion sushi and nearby mid-range restaurant E3rd Steakhouse has purchased the former Blue Dahlia Cafe and plans to reopen it in March, offering korean BBQ plates.
While Ha has run restaurants in other neighborhoods, including a recently-closed westside Zip outpost, he's now narrowed his focus to the area around Joel Bloom Square, at the intersection of 3rd and Traction.
Blue Dahlia was well-received in the Arts District for its wine bar and short rib burger, but the eatery failed to reopen after closing for a holiday break.
Ha is not sure what he will be calling the new eatery.
ALSO: While on the subject of Ha, diners looking for a deal should also note the $10 menu of lunch specials recently added at E3rd.
Zip Fusion Sushi, East 3rd Steakhouse and Lounge / Traction and E. 3rd / Arts District
FDiaz on January 28, 2010, at 11:22AM – #1
Horrible news! Really liked Blue Dahlia.
mikey on January 28, 2010, at 01:43PM – #2
that neighborhood has changed for the worse.
i dont like it anymore. i think part of it has to do with all the bourgie restaurants and expensive apartments bringing in assholes.
chris s on January 28, 2010, at 03:12PM – #3
You guys sound like a bunch of elitists... get over yourselves. Korean BBQ dishes are delicious. I can't wait!
Rich Alossi on January 28, 2010, at 04:24PM – #4
Great patio. Best of luck to Mr. Ha for taking a gamble on the neighborhood.
Joe on January 28, 2010, at 06:06PM – #5
How does a restaurant "fail to open after a winter break?" It must have not been doing well enough beforehand.
Erica on January 28, 2010, at 07:02PM – #6
I think Korean BBQ is perfect to replace Blue Dahlia. The burger was always a hit or miss, so its exciting to see something new.
Eric Richardson (@blogdowntown) on January 28, 2010, at 07:13PM – #7
Joe: They posted a sign saying that they would reopen January 14, and then didn't.
Commander Blake Chow on January 28, 2010, at 08:59PM – #8
Jason's places are great. Good luck Jason on this new establishment.
DawnC on January 29, 2010, at 07:35AM – #9
I'll miss Blue Dahlia, had some great times there with friends.
It's good that another restaurant is moving in but I did love Blue Dahlia's Portabella Mushroom Burger. It's doubtful that a Korean BBQ place will have any veggie options. The Kogi truck does a great tofu taco, maybe they'll steal an idea from their book.
Susana Benavidez on January 29, 2010, at 08:18AM – #10
Good Luck to Mr. Ha
I love Zip Fusion and go there very often. It's the kind of place where people know you by name after a few visits. Their Alba-cado is awesome, and the lobster roll.... Yummm...
I would like to humbly request a few veggie options to us non-meat eaters or at least some seafood! :) Kimchi - yum.
Susana
Ed Fuentes on January 29, 2010, at 08:46AM – #11
Ha held a testing last night, and reports there is enough demand to have veggie and seafood options on the final menu.
DawnC on February 01, 2010, at 11:31AM – #12
Great news, Ed. Thanks for reporting back, I'll make sure to check it out when they open!