Alta Adams is bringing chic soul food to Los Angeles. Nestled in the West Adams Corridor, it’s a new local favorite of mine. The restaurant is brand spanking new having opened just recently in October of 2018. In only four months, the restaurant has grown into a popular go-to spot in the changing face of Los Angeles. They’ve been featured in the Hollywood Reporter as the third best restaurant in Los Angeles and many other publications such as the LA Times. Yet, I heard about this delicious spot from the man behind the food, head chef, Keith Corbin.

In my local paper, Neighboorhood News, the chef poured his heart out about everything that propelled him to become the creator of the gourmet menu at Alta Adams. The restaurant was started by San Fran’s Daniel Patterson, a heavy hitter in the food aspect of life. Yet, the Watts native Keith Corbin seems to be the heart and soul of the restaurant, bringing his years of experience, love for Los Angeles and traditional Southern-style food to my neighborhood. Corbin’s taking cultural favorites like cornbread, which Alta is highly regarded for, and making signature and inventive recipes that’ll have your mouth watering. After being incarcerated for 10 years, Keith Corbin faced challenges getting back into the job market, yet he pursued his passion. He is a true success story and a local hero bringing something special to my community.

The Food

You can literally taste Corbin’s influence in his unique spin on southern inspired classics from oxtails to shrimp and grits. This chef is unafraid to take a risk in the best possible way. The main course I had was the grilled fish of the day and as you can expect the dish will change in the future. Yet, I had a nice cut of seabass in a tarragon seasoning with a refreshing and palette opening vinaigrette. When I spoke with Keith he stated he wanted to put a new spin on the grilling of fish by adding the vinaigrette because that’s “something you usually put on salad.” For my sides, I had their mac and cheese and delectable collard greens. Keith also let me know the process behind making the special greens. The collards are “wrapped in a blanched whole collard leaf” then seared to perfection. I couldn’t stop talking about how wonderful everything tasted together. I felt the light vinaigrette sauce enhanced the sweet flavors of the cornbread and the smokey aroma of the collard greens and more.

I was raised by my grandmother, and she’s from the south and so yes, I grew up eating really great food. And that’s kind of like when I cook now, I channel that, so I try to recreate them flavors.

• Keith Corbin

If you are planning to make a visit, be sure to stroll into the restaurant after they open at 5:00 PM. As soon as you enter you’ll see the well-stocked bar where they make awesome cocktails, like their lovely lime and brown sugar cocktail called Caipiroska. I was lucky enough to get a nice table in their beautiful outdoor patio space, but it is a great idea to get a reservation in advance as the place quickly livens up as the night goes on. I loved seeing nearly every table and stool at the bar filled with so many eclectic people. Alta Adams attracts the young and stylish to the debonaire and mature. The interior is just as inviting, boutique, and wonderful as their dishes. 

Meeting Head Chef Keith Corbin

What really made the whole experience was actually being able to meet Keith Corbin. His genuine nature and absolute love of food truly came through in person. With the big smile on his face and the joy in his eyes, he talked about his cuisine and plans for the menu. If there was one thing I noticed the menu could expand it was their desserts, yet speaking to Corbin made it more than obvious that he was working hard on bringing something stellar to that aspect of the menu. He’ll be debuting a sweet potato pie soon, I can’t wait to try it during my next visit. Alta Adams is that new spot that will quickly become a new favorite for the rich food and even richer feeling of community with people like Keith Corbin actively involved.  

Follow Alta Adams: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Follow Me: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Best,

Kai 😀