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VERSE is a distinct dining concept led by acclaimed Chef Paul Shoemaker (Providence, Bastide), hospitality veteran Rob Ciancimino (The Sayers Club), and Manny Marroquin, eight-time Grammy award-winning sound mixer and owner of neighboring Larrabee Studios. The restaurant combines a playful, sophisticated menu—that honors Los Angeles’ diverse cultural landscape—with the sensibility and technology of a sound studio, presenting an immersive dining experience where the acoustics are at the forefront of the design and intent. Located in Toluca Lake, VERSE redefines the supper club concept, with an eclectic menu highlighting local produce and meats cooked on the Josper grill, while the state-of-the-art Meyer sound system transforms the auditory experience of the space. Ciancimino brings his vast experience with both live entertainment and F&B to VERSE as managing partner, with a special focus on advanced, personalized, high-end customer service. Guests can enjoy cocktails by Ciancimino, and a wine list curated by Wine Enthusiast “40 Under 40 Tastemaker” Matthew Kaner (Bar Covell, Augustine Wine Bar) in the main dining room or at the intimate 10-seat chef’s table located in the kitchen. Designed by Kimberly Biehl Schmidt (Larrabee Studios), VERSE’s striking 3,800-square-foot, 140-seat space is designed to foster the intersection of cuisine, music, art, and hospitality. VERSE engages guests through sense and emotion with a varied program of culinary and cultural events to launch in the coming months.

VERSE and Larrabee Studios Owner Manny Marroquin lends his engineering expertise to transform the room itself into an instrument, via custom Libra sound panels; an SSL mixing console; and 60 strategically placed Meyer Constellation Acoustic System speakers with the ability to self-balance and circulate sound and energy through the room. Thoughtful playlists curated by music industry visionaries will provide the soundtrack, in addition to a lineup of performances slated to launch in early 2020. Marroquin is one of the industry’s most in-demand mixing engineers and has worked with world-renowned artists from Bruno Mars to The Rolling Stones, earning over forty #1 albums on The Billboard 200.