“Summer Fun is in the Air”
Time for a little rest and relaxation out of the hot kitchen says Chef Louie.
Put on your shiniest bridle and take your special filly out for a night on the town!
In keeping with this month’s newsletter theme; all things being “Fire Department” related. Chef Louie thought it entertaining to suggest the following restaurant for your dining experience.
Close to downtown Los Angeles and major event forums such as the Staples Center and Music Center Complex, Engine Co. 28 is a uniquely restored 1912 firehouse whose menu is inspired by regional cooking of firehouses around the country. “American Food at its Best” raves the Los Angeles Times.
Engine Co. 28’s restoration and renovation has been widely acclaimed. From the original brick flooring, 18’ pressed tin ceilings and mahogany cabinetry that once housed the alarm system, the ambience of Engine Co. 28 is captivating. Horse-drawn fire apparatus was in use during the time of Station 28’s construction. Ceiling brackets intended for hanging reining equipment are still visible along with cartouches displaying fireman’s tools. The crowning jewel in the restaurant’s charm is the remaining fire pole that once connected the second story dormitory to the apparatus floor below.
With an impressive bill of fare, Engine Co. 28 offers a wide variety of classic American dishes. From their famous meatloaf to delectable desserts there is something on the menu for everyone.
So what are you waiting for… an invitation! Kick up your “hooves” and take your special someone to experience all that Engine Co. 28 and surrounding Los Angeles nightlife has to offer!
Bon Appetite’
Chef Louie
History
A Story of Community Service and Historic Preservation
Built in 1912, Engine Co. No. 28 answered its first emergency call on July 23, 1913. At the time, it was the most expensive fire station in Los Angeles with a construction cost of more than $60,000. It proved to be a good investment for the city. Over the next five decades, it would respond to many such calls. The station’s active service ended in 1969, and over the coming years the building fell into disrepair. In 1983, a five-year preservation effort began which transformed Engine Co. No. 28 into its current blend of historic architecture and contemporary design. It is now home to a popular restaurant, Engine Co. No. 28, a theatre organization, and a law firm.
Among the architecture preserved during the renovation was the building’s exterior brick facade. Unique features include street-level dual archways that once allowed fire trucks access to the building’s two formidable metal doors (one of which is now permanently opened in the entryway). Spanning the second and third stories are two large Renaissance Revival-style window bays, and above these, three terra cotta cartouches portraying firemen’s tools and the City of Los Angeles’ seal. Higher still, atop the original third story, is a 14-foot parapet crowned by twin towers.
Inside, much of the original architecture survives including the red brick flooring, 18-foot pressed tin ceilings, and near the entrance, the elegant mahogany cabinetry that once housed the emergency alarm system. What is now the building’s restaurant was then the apparatus room where the station’s two motor-driven fire trucks, a Gorham-Seagrave pumping engine and a Seagrave chemical and hose wagon, were parked. At the time of construction, horse-drawn vehicles were still in use as evidenced by the large (and ultimately unused) ceiling brackets intended for hanging reining equipment.
The building’s original third story served as a private apartment for the fire chief and his family, while the second floor was used as a dormitory for the station’s firemen. Three fire poles connected the living quarters to the apparatus room (one of which remains in the rear of the restaurant), providing a quick exit in times of emergency. In less hectic circumstances, a slate-step staircase was also used (a preserved section now leading to the restaurant’s mezzanine). Much of the then state-of-the-art alarm equipment and its miles of wiring were located in the large basement, which in later years was used as a practice hall for the fire department band. At the rear of the building was a recreational handball court and the station’s kitchen.
By the 1960’s Los Angeles had changed dramatically and so had its Fire Department. As part of a facilities replacement program and because of an agreement with the newly built Hilton Hotel (now the Wilshire Grand), Engine Co. No. 28 was closed. The building continued to be used by the fire department as a credit union until it was finally vacated in 1971 and put up for sale as surplus city property. Over time, the building would fall into disrepair. Demolition seemed inevitable.
In late 1983, Linda Griego, in partnership with Peter Mullin and Hugh Biele, began renovation of the 3-story abandoned historical landmark into offices and a restaurant. The existing 20,000 square foot structure was expanded by 15,000 square feet which included a new fourth floor tucked behind the parapet — the project costs exceeded $5 million.
Engine Co. No. 28’s renovation has been widely acclaimed, receiving numerous preservation awards over the years. In 1988, at the time of its completed renovations, the building was recognized by the city as an historic-cultural landmark. Now, over 95 years since its original construction, and thanks to the preservation efforts of many including the late mayor Tom Bradley, Engine Co. No. 28 remains a vibrant part of downtown Los Angeles.
For Further Historical Information Read:
“Engine 28 - Telling It Like It Was”
by Captain John Rooney
American Food at its Best
Opened in January of 1989, Engine Co. No. 28 is an American restaurant reminiscent of the classic grills of San Francisco and New York — mahogany booths, granite bar, Ella Fitzgerald music in the background — set in a beautifully restored 1912 Los Angeles firehouse (original architecture includes 18-foot pressed tin ceilings and red brick flooring). The restaurant’s atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed with a staff that is both friendly and attentive.
Described by the Los Angeles Times as “American food at its best,” our menu is inspired by the regional cooking of firehouses around the country. We offer a wide variety of classic American dishes including our famous Meatloaf, Cobb Salad, Clubhouse Sandwich, and a weekly selection of fresh grilled fish. Desserts are made fresh daily in our own kitchen and include a Double Chocolate Layer Cake, Lemon Meringue Pie, and a 911 Fudge Brownie Sundae.
Price Ranges
Appetizers vary from $5 to $10; salads and sandwiches range from $8 to $14; entrees are priced between $14 and $25.
Location:
644 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: (213) 624-6996
http://www.engineco.com
Reservations
Reservations are recommended. Call (213) 624-6996 after 9:00 am weekdays and after 2:00 pm weekends.
