[dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]he Lieu siblings thought they were taking a gamble when they opened up Brew Kitchen Bar, their Garfield Avenue gastropub in Monterey Park.
In an area acclaimed for its wealth of delicious Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Armenian, Japanese, Italian, and Mexican cuisine, the Lieus wondered if the Monterey Park neighborhood they grew up visiting with family would take to their “new” concept — American pub favorites like burgers, wings, and fries – “with some twists,” says sister Pamela Lieu.
They knew about locals’ loyalty to steadfast family favorite eateries such as Mama Lu’s Dumpling House, Shaka’s Hawai’ian, Taihei Sushi, Ordóñez Mexican Restaurant, the former Bollini’s (now Ravello Osteria), and many others. These places are “safe bets” for locals who might not want to change it up, head chef James Lieu acknowledges. “But we wanted to introduce a new cuisine to the area, a casual, American experience with some Asian-inspired twists.”
In late October 2017, with their family’s support, Pamela, Patricia, and James went for it and opened the doors to their new establishment, Brew Kitchen Bar. The Lieus’ gamble seems to have paid off well. The neighborhood indeed digs Brew Kitchen, and the beer buzz is spreading.