Situated at the base of the building that features the 1931 Art Deco masterpiece - The Wiltern – Opus is gaining a reputation for offering innovative cuisine at affordable prices. New chef Josef Centeno has implemented a new menu using a “modern approach to French technique inspired by global ingredients.” As part of Chef Centeno’s overhaul, he’s implemented Tuesday Bäco Night. A bäco is a flatbread/taco hybrid and a vessel for innovative toppings. They’re served at the bar only.

Bar patrons are treated to a complimentary bowl of wheat pita chips, bone-dry, but crispy and surprisingly addictive.

Chef Centeno produces four different bäcos, costing a more-than-reasonable $8 apiece. We ordered one of each. Turns out we over-ordered. A single bäco is the size of about 3 tacos. Here’s the skate taco, topped with pickled cabbage and mint onions. Each bäco features more ingredients than the few that are listed, including an unlisted sauce, which is usually green. The menu descriptions hardly hint at how complex the flavors are. This baco was kind of like a traditional Baja style fish taco, with pan-fried strips of tender skate substituting for fish.

This bäco featured fried cubes of the dreaded tofu, plus diced potatoes and garlic-chive dressing. I refuse to give the processed soybean meat it’s due, but considering all the accompanying ingredients, I was honestly pleasantly surprised. It’s not an item I’d normally order, since I’m a dedicated carnivore, but since there were only four options, I decided to go all-in.

Here’s Chef Centeno’s signature bäco, just called “The Bäco,” highlighted by succulent squares of short rib carnitas and pork belly, plus almond chunks and diced tomatoes. Fabulous.

The final bäco was heavy, piled with heaps of ground chorizo and fall-apart lamb, set upon a “crushed yam” base. This is a definite stick-to-your-ribs dish. And a stick-to-your-arteries dish. Still, it had a winning flavor and a healthy spice kick.

After eating at Opus, I understand why Chef Centeno trademarked the bäco. The flatbread could probably be a little crisper, to better cradle the prodigious amounts of meat, fish and tofu. Still, the flavors were distinctive and, on the whole, fairly delicious. I plan to get to better know the bäco. I also plan to familiarize myself with Chef Centeno’s tasting menu, which has gained a reputation in town for its adventurousness and value.

This entry is filed under California, Los Angeles, Mexican, Southern California.