There’s something about sipping rosé on a warm Los Angeles afternoon that feels like a ritual—one that’s both indulgent and necessary. Nestled in the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel, Caldo Verde offers just that—a sanctuary where the sun-soaked streets of LA meet Mediterranean flavors, and where a glass of chilled rosé becomes more than just a drink. It becomes an experience.
Recently, I had the pleasure of diving into Rosé Days, a celebration of wine, food, and the perfect end-of-summer vibe. If you haven’t been to Caldo Verde yet, let me paint the picture for you: It’s the flagship restaurant of the Proper Hotel, housed in a beautifully restored Renaissance Revival building. Every detail of the space, from the exposed brick to the lush greenery on the patio, feels like it’s been curated to provide a rustic yet sophisticated retreat from the chaos of Downtown Los Angeles.
Behind this culinary haven are James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne, two women who understand the essence of LA dining—an effortless blend of local, hyper-seasonal ingredients and Mediterranean influences. They’ve turned Caldo Verde into something special, a place where each plate is as thoughtful as the glass of wine you’re drinking alongside it.
Rosé Days at Caldo Verde: A Sip of Summer in the Heart of DTLA
There’s something about sipping rosé on a warm Los Angeles afternoon that feels like a ritual—one that’s both indulgent and necessary. Nestled in the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel, Caldo Verde offers just that—a sanctuary where the sun-soaked streets of LA meet Mediterranean flavors, and where a glass of chilled rosé becomes more than just a drink. It becomes an experience.
Recently, I had the pleasure of diving into Rosé Days, a celebration of wine, food, and the perfect end-of-summer vibe. If you haven’t been to Caldo Verde yet, let me paint the picture for you: It’s the flagship restaurant of the Proper Hotel, housed in a beautifully restored Renaissance Revival building. Every detail of the space, from the exposed brick to the lush greenery on the patio, feels like it’s been curated to provide a rustic yet sophisticated retreat from the chaos of Downtown Los Angeles.
Behind this culinary haven are James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne, two women who understand the essence of LA dining—an effortless blend of local, hyper-seasonal ingredients and Mediterranean influences. They’ve turned Caldo Verde into something special, a place where each plate is as thoughtful as the glass of wine you’re drinking alongside it.
Rosé Days: The Perfect Escape
Rosé Days at Caldo Verde is the kind of event you didn’t know you needed—until you’re sitting on the patio with a glass of Clos Mireille or Chateau Romassan in hand. Caroline Styne’s wine list is a journey through Provence, Bandol, and beyond, with each rosé handpicked to highlight the subtle, floral, and acidic notes that make this wine perfect for summer. You can sip on a single glass or indulge in a flight, but no matter your choice, the wine pairs perfectly with Suzanne Goin’s curated menu.
I started with the crab tostadas, topped with creamy avocado and a smoky salsa morita. The balance between the bright, citrusy crab and the depth of the salsa was only elevated by the crisp, refreshing sip of rosé I had in hand. It’s a pairing that makes sense—simple, elegant, and layered.
Then came the salt cod fritters with saffron aioli. These crispy bites were light yet flavorful, the aioli adding just the right amount of richness without overwhelming the delicate salt cod.
The standout for me, though, was the avocado bruschetta with fresno chiles on rye bread. The combination of creamy avocado, the slight heat from the chiles, and the earthy crunch of rye was unexpectedly perfect with the rosé. It felt like the flavors were made to dance with the wine, each sip enhancing the vibrant ingredients on the plate.
Lastly, to end on a good note, Chef Tiffany dela Peña, who was overseeing the kitchen that day, took a moment to step out and share the story behind the dishes, explaining how they meticulously source local ingredients to ensure every bite tells a story of California’s rich flavors. With years of experience working alongside the legendary Suzanne Goin, Tiffany’s expertise isn’t just technical—it’s soulful. Each dish that left the kitchen was crafted with intention, showcasing not only her culinary precision but her deep passion for food. It’s this passion, combined with her ability to elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary, that makes Caldo Verde one of the must-visit dining spots in L.A. Tiffany’s commitment to sustainable sourcing and her creative flair have turned the restaurant into a beacon of refined yet approachable cuisine, making it a standout in the city’s ever-evolving food scene.
The Perfect Weekday Escape
But Rosé Days at Caldo Verde is more than just a meal. It’s a midweek escape, a siesta from the grind of the city. It’s the kind of spot you slip into on a long Monday or Tuesday, when you need to hit pause and remind yourself that life’s pleasures should be savored. Sitting on the patio, surrounded by plants and the distant hum of the city, you feel just far enough removed from the hustle to relax. The energy is light, yet the food and wine are bold—a combination that makes the experience feel effortless, like a mini vacation in the middle of your day.
Expect excellent rosé selections, fresh, locally sourced dishes, and an ambiance that transports you far from the busy streets of Downtown LA. Come for the rosé, stay for the food, and leave knowing you’ve just experienced one of the best spots in the city.
For More Information and Reservations, Visit properhotel.com
Location: Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel,, 1100 S. Broadway Los Angeles
Hours:
Monday and Tuesdays: 4–9 p.m.
Photo credits: Courtesy of The Proper Downtown L.A. and Lorenzo Dela Rama
