When Venn Studio was approached by the owners, a duo made up of young but seasoned restaurant entrepreneurs, we were tasked with telling the story of fire and how it has shaped our relationship with food. So, we started our research.

We all know that life changed for humanity when (wo)man discovered fire. Fire gave us the ability to see at night, to cook, and protect our families and keep them warm. We brought fire into the home. The word focus comes from the latin word for hearth or fireplace. In medieval halls, the hearth commonly stood prominently in the middle of the space with the smoke rising through an opening in the roof. And even though we are in sunny Los Angeles, the fireplace is still the staple of any comfortable home.

The concept for the restaurant was focused around this idea of fire. The idea that fire is the most basic way to prepare food. We placed a large woodfired hearth oven right in the middle of the space. It's the first thing you see, feel, smell and hear when you walk in. With stacks of wood on hand, fresh whole fish locally caught by the owner himself, are cooked right infront of guests in that hearth. Flatbreads and seasonal roasts are served up on the chef's table, bringing guests close to the source.

Guests are invited to feel the heat. The hearth oven is visible from all points in the restaurant; peeking through the plastered arches and reflected back in the antique mirrored bar back as a reminder that it's the fire that brings us together.