The Scene Setter: 15
15 is conspicuous on its stretch of Echo Park Avenue. The New American-style bistro occupies the space vacated by a pupuseria and sits across from street vendors. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Patrons sample Dominican chef and co-owner Alex Eusebio’s cuisine as a waiter, right, makes his rounds. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Head chef and co-owner Alex Eusebio, right, and David Paulson prepare dishes in 15’s kitchen. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Eusebio works six days a week in the 15 kitchen. “At the end of the day, any chef is a cook,” he says. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
In its commitment to make its food affordable, the restaurant offers three-course dinners, dubbed “$15 at 15,” between 5 and 6:30 p.m. “I feel like chefs have a responsibility to society,” Eusebio says. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Rick Huschitt, left, and Toby Donnelly are co-owners of 15 with chef Alex Eusebio. Huschitt also pitches in by doing everything but cooking, including hosting, bartending, serving and busing. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)