"Natalia Pereira, the Brazilian-born chef-owner of Downtown’s Wood Spoon, will close her restaurant temporarily at the end of the month to recover from an accident last year. Pereira has been struggling with a brain injury from a scooter collision and needs time to heal away from the restaurant's daily demands. Despite the temporary closure, Pereira hopes to return after a six-month break and continue her culinary journey through private dinners and Sunday meals. Wood Spoon, opened in 2007, has been a staple in Downtown LA, offering Brazilian cuisine and drawing a loyal customer base. The area’s parking issues and other changes have also impacted the restaurant's operation." - Mona Holmes