Step into the Gallery, a captivating new restaurant and bar located in downtown, and prepare to be transported into a realm reminiscent of a theme park. Upon entering through its bar, the bustling views of Olympic Boulevard fade away. Instead, you are greeted with a whimsical, idealized interpretation of a bustling cityscape, resembling something out of an animated movie. As you venture into the dining area, you may initially perceive a blank canvas, but soon the walls and tables come alive, transporting you underwater, amidst nature, or in the midst of a scorching hot warehouse where lava cascades over clockwork gears. The aim is to fill you with wonder – at times, you can place your hand on the table and witness fish swimming towards you, or trace a circle around a plate and observe flowers magically blooming around it. Each scene, each course in the five-course meal, is brought to life by a performer whose graceful movements are synchronized with digital projections, creating a sense of fascination. In essence, it is not just dinner; it is a captivating spectacle.
The masterminds behind this innovative concept, seasoned veterans of the theme park industry, aspire for the Gallery to feel utterly contemporary, ever-evolving, and somewhat sentient. Spend some time in the bar, and you’ll notice a myriad of scenes unfolding within the windows of the skyscrapers, each one telling an improvised, abstract story. The debut of the full dining experience, named “Elementa,” is scheduled for this Friday, featuring a menu curated by Joshua Whigham, the former chef de cuisine at José Andrés’ now-closed L.A. Bazaar outpost. A two-hour culinary journey exploring the five classical elements, it marks the first of many immersive dining experiences planned for the space.
Co-founder of the Gallery, Daren Ulmer, reflects, “It’s a challenging world we inhabit. If I can offer you some respite, I believe it’s therapeutic – to transport you to another world and encourage you to imagine, dream, escape, unwind, and perhaps even be inspired.” The Gallery’s bar, named Horizon, is nestled within a fictional cityscape brimming with possibilities. Observe closely, as the buildings come to life with scenes unfolding in the windows and doorways.
As the curtain rises on this new venture, Ulmer’s company, Mousetrappe Media, has a rich history of collaborating with Disney on various projects, including projection mapping for iconic landmarks like Sleeping Beauty Castle. With the birth of Allureum, a company closely intertwined with Mousetrappe, Ulmer draws upon his passion for theme parks and nightlife to create a transformative experience at the Gallery. Approaching the next chapter of his career, Ulmer, aged 57, has shifted his focus towards nightlife, aiming to craft a realm unlike any other.
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The focus shifted from the gap between dinner and a movie or going to a bar to a more extravagant day at a theme park. Ulmer embarked on research trips, exploring “compelling” local spots like SkyBar, Castaway, and Perch. He experienced projection dinner shows on cruise ships, interactive table shows, traditional dinner theaters, and elaborately themed restaurants in search of a combination of food, entertainment, and theming.
Ulmer noticed that many places excelled in two of those aspects, but rarely all three. This observation led him to envision a unique concept that seamlessly integrated these elements from the start. The Gallery emerged as the latest themed restaurant in a city with a rich history of such establishments, focusing on technology rather than traditional memorabilia or elaborate sets. The restaurant aimed to create a stylish yet playful atmosphere, with the urban bar Horizon exuding an optimistic, retro vibe.
While dining at Elementa may come at a cost of around $200 per person, the communal interactive tables foster an inclusive ambiance, challenging the notion of exclusivity. Ulmer acknowledged the influence of past themed restaurants like Planet Hollywood and Hard Rock Cafe on the Gallery’s concept, despite concerns about preconceived notions. He urged skeptics in the food industry to trust the vision and embrace the innovative approach.
Chef Whigham, known for his work at Bazaar and trained under José Andrés, played a pivotal role in designing Elementa’s menu. Each course at Elementa is themed after one of the elements, such as a “water” dish featuring hamachi and seaweed. The menu is complemented by projections on the tables and walls, enhancing the dining experience. In contrast, the Horizon bar offers a more casual yet upscale selection during its soft opening, including calamari, hummus, ribeye, and various sandwiches and pizzas.
For the Gallery’s concept to succeed, Horizon must also evolve into a popular gathering spot. The immersive scenes projected on the city buildings provide a transformative experience, inviting guests to linger and socialize in this unique setting. Ulmer envisions the Gallery as a place where people come together, creating a communal space that transcends traditional dining expectations.
That is why the cityscape features media elements, which are expected to change from holiday to holiday with special events. When your birthday is discovered, the city will briefly celebrate it.”Beneath it all is a positive message.Few dining experiences begin with an overture, but your evening at “Elementa” will, thanks to a musical piece by Ulmer. Starting with a dramatic entrance, it soon transforms into something more fantastical, reminiscent of John Williams’ uplifting scores from “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.” The evening continues with the works of impressionistic composer Claude Debussy, adding a cinematic touch to the meal.The concept revolves around everyone playing a role in a performance. Throughout the dinner, guests are encouraged to seek out and create unexpected interactions. Placing a candle at the center of the table may trigger a volcanic eruption of lava and ash. Reaching out to touch the hands of the person across from you might reveal a cosmic bridge underneath you.The co-founder of The Gallery, Daren Ulmer, is seen standing among tables illuminated by projectors in his new downtown restaurant. With experience in theme park productions at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, Ulmer describes his vision as a therapeutic escape to a world of imagination, relaxation, and inspiration.The underlying theme of the meal is to foster and strengthen connections. Ulmer draws inspiration from the emotional depth of Cirque du Soleil’s performances, aiming to evoke human emotions, drama, scale, and color in the dining experience.With a price tag of around $200 per person, Ulmer acknowledges that “Elementa” may not be accessible to everyone. However, he aims to offer a premium dining experience comparable to Michelin-starred restaurants fused with the immersive storytelling of Disney and Universal parks.Looking ahead, Ulmer plans to introduce more affordable, family-friendly dining options alongside “Elementa” and Horizon. By programming unique dining experiences on days when “Elementa” is not operating, he hopes to attract repeat customers who have already enjoyed the main offering.Ulmer envisions creating diverse dining experiences, ranging from traditional restaurant settings to themed events like Napa Valley wine tastings with virtual vineyard views. The goal is to maximize the potential of the dining space and cater to a wide range of preferences, while maintaining a high level of service and creativity.
While relishing the spectacle, he is eagerly anticipating the Saturday matinee lineup tailored for families with little ones. In the event that everything unfolds as anticipated, the restaurant might undergo transformations just as frequently, if not more so, than its menu. Enroll in The Wild newsletter to receive exclusive weekly recommendations on the finest beaches, trails, parks, deserts, forests, and mountains. This article was initially featured in the Los Angeles Times.
