Tranquility Base Opens with an Emotional Ribbon Cutting

By Eric Richardson
Published: Thursday, April 10, 2008, at 04:52PM

tbase3 Ed Fuentes

Tranquility Base owner Dave Tardif thanks his sister and co-owner, Kelli Arriola.

New South Park restaurant Tranquility Base held its ribbon cutting Thursday morning, and the emotion shown by owner Dave Tardif made clear what a journey its been to get the stylish eatery open.

Councilwoman Jan Perry and DCBID Director of Economic Development Hal Bastian were on hand to welcome Tranquility Base to Downtown and participate in the ribbon cutting, one of three weekend events for the restaurant.

Before cutting the ribbon Tardif thanked his family for the emotional, and financial, support they've shown, giving a big hug to sister and co-owner Kelli Arriola and making clear his appreciation for parents Norm and Modestine and his late wife, Alejandra.

Tranquility Base represents a nearly $1 million investment in South Park. The restaurant features a hip indoor space and comfortable patio with a mix of tables and couches. The menu and decor will update seasonally, and the eatery will offer lunch, dinner and late night service seven days a week.

While he's excited about all the new things that have opened to date, Tardif sees big things for Downtown's future. "We're still on the cusp of a major explosion," he said.

As part of its official opening weekend, Tranquility Base will hold the "First Annual Downtown Los Angeles Spring Cocktail Party" on Saturday, April 12th, from 7 - 10pm. Attendees will vote on what cocktail to make Tranquility's featured drink. Downtowners are invited, but an RSVP to RSVP@tranquilityla.com is required.

The following day the restaurant will serve its first Sunday brunch from 10am to 3pm.




Comments

1
GoodEats writes:

We attended the Ribbon Cutting ceremony and enjoyed a DELICIOUS lunch! The emotional thanks that owner Dave Tardif dished out made everyone there realize that this isn't just a restaurant...it's a DREAM coming to fruition! (Not to mention, brought it everyone to tears) Congratulations to Dave, Kelli, and the entire Tranquility Base staff!! Job well done! Can't wait to come to the Sunday Brunch!! Your late wife, Alejandra would be VERY proud of you!!

# on Apr.11.2008 AT 08:51 AM
2
Charlene writes:

We recently held a going away party @ Tranquility Base. There were eight of us in our party. We decided that each of us would order two items from the menu so we could get a variety of what the restaurant had to offer. Out of sixteen different dishes, there wasn't one of them that we didn't like. Everything was absolutely delicious! My personal favorite was the seared scallops that were blackened - DELICIOUS beyond words.

The ambiance is as the name says. . . TRANQUIL. We ate outside on the patio where we were extremely comfortable, relaxed, and full. We truly had one of the best dining experiences ever. Continued success and growth to David and Kelli.

# on Apr.11.2008 AT 01:31 PM
3
SouthPark writes:

How does one RSVP for the cocktail party on Saturday?

# on Apr.11.2008 AT 01:40 PM
4
Eric Richardson writes:

SouthPark: Doh. Formatting messed that sentence up. Send an email to RSVP@tranquilityla.com.

# on Apr.11.2008 AT 05:35 PM
5
Matt writes:

This place is literally out of this world. If you have not experienced Tranquility Base you are missing out! See you soon

# on Apr.11.2008 AT 05:50 PM
6
Karin Liljegren writes:

While I also think the Operators are great and the food is really tasty, there are some major design flaws that leave me disappointed. The obscure glass fence is not engaging to the community, it is more of a wall and with the lack of good signage, it is not obvious to the passerby that this is a place to check out. I asked why such a big fence and they said they were worried that the clientele wouldn't want homeless people eating off their plates. I hope that Operators and designers start realizing that the last thing downtown needs are fences - this has been one of LA's biggest design flaws for decades. There are many creative ways to make patrons feel comfortable while engaging our newly forming sense of community. People moving downtown are moving here to get away from fences and to build a community. A couple other quirky things - they have probably one of the largest outdoor patio spaces downtown, but there is currently no smoking allowed. Maybe just a small piece of the outdoor area could be smoke friendly? I would imagine this to be a draw if you're a drinking smoker. Lastly, while changing colored LED lights are a very popular design feature, it's nice to actually see someone have a concept for it (changing seasons). However, don't look at your food when the blue lights are on. You'll see - it looks sickly. I would like to reiterate that while I am being critical about design issues , as a whole I'm always glad to see a new place with new energy, good food, and a genuine passion about trying to create something great.

# on Apr.14.2008 AT 08:47 PM
7
buzz writes:

I visited Tranquility Base the first time about a week after it opened. The food, patio, and service were all top-notch. Went back for brunch on Sunday and was thrilled to see that things had only gotten better. The huevos rancheros was a-maz-ing. I also had a tasty red bull/champagne cocktail. Again the service was great, sat inside this time and the ambience was great. David the owner came by our table as did his sister just to make sure we were happy -which we were. Hoping to make it a regular haunt. Happy to see such a well-run establishment after the disaster that was Mode. Keep up the good work David and Kelli. You'll be seeing much more of us!

# on Apr.15.2008 AT 01:23 AM
8
Jas writes:

My husband and I went there the evening after the ribbon cutting to celebrate his birthday -- having moved to downtown recently, we felt it was a good combination!

We loved it. The food was excellent: he had an absolutely perfect steak (I know; I filched pieces) and my tuna tartare was delicious. The creme brulee and the berries with creme anglaise were both just right.

We sat inside and enjoyed the relaxing images on the screens. The staff was friendly and enthusiastic: even the busboy talked up the place! The waitress told us they will be having better signage outside, so maybe that will address concerns about visibility. The service was excellent at all levels, and we were pleased to meet Dave as we left so we could tell him how much we'd enjoyed the evening.

We're definitely going back: got to try out that patio!

# on Apr.18.2008 AT 11:53 AM

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