Blackbird Abbey, a quaint neighborhood Bistro with a gastropub vibe, is getting ready to open in Whittier, located at 6744 Greenleaf Avenue.
The new eatery will move into the former home of Modern Shaman, which closed earlier this year after it replaced Forkin Good, according to a recent Type-41 liquor license application. This is the latest from Cristal Arguelles, who owns and operates Thee Elbow Room within Montrose Village Square, and Brian Kiepler, who owns Pit and Bull BBQ in uptown Whittier. The two friends, who have known each other for almost 17 years, will open this new concept in January.
“We thought it was a cute little space and wanted to tap into the growth that we see happening around Whittier, especially on Greenleaf in the city’s Uptown area,” Kiepler tells What Now Los Angeles. “I honestly think that the future holds some nice surprises for the culinary scene in Whittier.”
When the new concept opens, customers can expect an eclectic menu featuring appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. Some highlight menu items include the deviled eggs with smoked pork belly, chive, and paprika served under a soft blanket of hickory smoke; a black kale and quinoa salad with golden raisins, sunflower seeds, almond, sweet onion, pomegranate molasses, and hibiscus vinaigrette; a Blackbird Burger with house-ground brisket, thick cut bacon, beef tallow onions, Medjool date jam, cheddar and aioli; and an American Wagyu Striploin served alongside gratinated pate au choux dumplings in beef broth with caramelized onion and gruyere cheese. Blackbird Abbey will also be offering an excellent selection of beer and wine.
This is an exciting development for the co-owners. Arguelles worked under renowned Las Vegas chefs, including Rick Moonen, Bobby Flay, and Charlie Palmer, before opening Thee Elbow Room ten years ago. Her training at the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Pasadena will surely provide her with the skills needed to operate this concept along with Kiepler, a longstanding member of the Patina Restaurant Group family, who previously worked as the executive chef of both Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
I tried it last night. Food was good. Beer was good. Decor was bland. It needs more traffic. I can’t put my finger on it but something is missing. Maybe an influencer needs to come in.