Joachim Splichal Feeds Fleet of Foot

By JULIETTE ROSSANT Recently, Joachim Splichal told The L.A. Downtown News, "A shared vision exists between the Patina Group and the L.A. Marathon." Really? "That is, to continually elevate Los Angeles as a dining capital in the eyes of the world through innovation and enhanced guest experience." Do you talk like that? I don't. In fact, how dumb do Food PR people think we are? You know, I have interviewed Joachim at length, and, believe me one thing, he is German-born, German-accented, and German-spoken. With talent like his, such an accent can only be adorable -- and politically correct, thanks to the Gubernator, fellow German-speaker Arnold Schwarzenegger. Granted, Splichal has certainly helped to elevate downtown Los Angeles by moving his Patina Group headquarters to the new Walt Disney Concert Hall. Still, do Marathoners actually eat at restaurants like his when they are in training? Why not? As the Los Angeles Marathon turns 20 this year, race organizers and dozens of LA restaurants return to a special Fitness Training Menu program. The Patina Group has five restaurants downtown this year (with the addition of the relocated Patina), and each one has a special lined up. However, were I one of those training to run, I would include a frequent pit-stop at Kinara Spa. Not only is Joachim's ultra-hospitable French wife Christine Splichal a partner there, but Joachim has a cafe there, too -- with a cuisine which Christine consulted on, based on nutritional guidelines by Andrew Weil, M.D., among others. I was there during the soft opening and at opening night, and let me tell you that the fare was light and refreshing amidst the calmest of atmospheres. On second thought, what I am saying? Wouldn't you want to go to a cafe that had a massage available after the marathon? Previous articles: Wolfgang Puck Inaugurates Washington Danny Meyer Moves Uptown with Bentel & Bentel Les Enfantes Terribles devient terriblement vieux After the Hurricane, Norman Van Aken Breezes Gently In Nick Valenti: Super Chef Master? Wolf Wines & Dines, or Puck's Party Gourmet Gyms Are Hardly A New Trend --> back to superchefblog