5 Questions for Eric Greenspan

Eric Greenspan is the executive chef and owner at the Foundry on Melrose. The modern American restaurant is fueled by both his small plates (crispy octopus with shelling beans) and his enthusiasm for live music. Greespan also has appeared on Food Network’s “The Next Iron Chef� and is running the kitchen at the Roof on Wilshire. And expected to open this month next to the Foundry is Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese.

What’s coming next on your menu? The Roof on Wilshire’s new menu is really starting to take form; I have a new chef, Numa Muller from France. I’m most excited about the coconut lobster bisque. It’s Thai-influenced and is super flavorful but quite light.

Latest ingredient obsession? Celery. I’ve been juicing it for a broth for our agnolotti at the Foundry on Melrose and adding it to a lemon risotto at the Roof. It’s even featured on the Big Blue, one of the opening sandwiches at Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese.

What restaurant do you find yourself going to again and again? Taeem across the street from the Foundry almost daily. The shawarma laffa is unbelievable.

Favorite kitchen soundtrack? “Out Come the Wolves� by Rancid. Gets me fired up every time.

What chef has most influenced you? David Bouley. Ahead of the game for 20 years, and no one builds flavor better.

The Roof on Wilshire, 6317 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 852-6002, www.theroofonwilshire.com; The Foundry, 7465 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, (323) 651-0915, www.thefoundryonmelrose.com.

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