275-Square-Foot Rice Bar Opens In Downtown Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Charles Olalia is getting lots of comments about his new restaurant, which has been open for just a week, in downtown Los Angeles.

"There's almost theatrics to it because it's such a small restaurant that we can't hide anything. They see everything," said Olalia, who says he keeps most of his dishes at Rice Bar traditional.

The eatery is smaller than the size of a standard garage at just 275-square-feet and seats seven people.

"It gives that sense of intimacy, that I can talk to people instantaneously and see their reaction as they eat," he said.

Olalia says his dishes feature various heirloom grains from the Philippines.

CBS2's Stephanie Simmons helped him whip up one of the more creative items on the menu: the mushroom tamales made of mushrooms, green onions, and imported sticky rice.

"This is actually our vegan version. We stuff it with Mushroom Ragu that is spiced with chili paste and black bean sauce," he said. "So, it's kind of influenced by Los Angeles."

Olalia hopes customers will treat Rice Bar like a neighborhood hangout.

"That interaction, that energy you can create between the cook, the chef the server, just everybody, like a family style. There are no rules here," he added.