Historic Church in Silver Lake Transformed into Trendy Los Angeles Restaurant
Sous Sous, located in the newly opened Hotel Lucile, blends French technique with Southern American flavors.
A nearly century-old church in Los Angeles' Silver Lake neighborhood has been repurposed into a distinctive new dining establishment, Sous Sous, which is quickly gaining recognition for its unique ambiance and a standout fish dish.
The restaurant, situated within the recently unveiled Hotel Lucile, offers a culinary experience that marries French culinary techniques with Southern American influences. This fusion takes place beneath the original soaring ceilings and within the ornate stained-glass windows of the 1931 church.
Helming the kitchen is Chef Patrick Costa, whose polenta-crusted rainbow trout has emerged as a signature dish. Costa draws inspiration for the menu from two historic port cities: Marseille, France, and Charleston, South Carolina.
"The food here is a nice combination of two coastal port towns," Costa told The California Post. "It’s really a nice way for some extra texture, some nuttiness and a little bit of sweetness."
Costa described the preparation of the trout, which begins with a blackening seasoning blend that includes garlic, paprika, cayenne, fennel seed, and coriander. Toasted polenta grains are then added, creating a flavorful crust with a subtle crunch. The fish is lightly coated with mustard, pressed into the seasoning mix, and cooked until it achieves a golden exterior while remaining tender inside.
The trout is served with a robust beurre blanc sauce, a classic French preparation, enhanced with lemon and finished with herb and Cajun oils.
Costa believes the dish's popularity stems from its elevation of a commonly overlooked American fish. "I think trout is relatively underused," he commented, noting its lesser recognition compared to salmon, cod, or halibut.
Sous Sous is part of Hotel Lucile, a 25-room boutique hotel that opened in September after a significant restoration of the former church. Costa views the unique setting as an integral part of the dining experience, transforming a historic community space into a destination for culinary enthusiasts.