CityStyle LA

Little Tokyo Gets a Big-time Gastropub

Editor — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:00:26 +0000

You’ve been known to appreciate the unexpected when it comes to dining.

So when we heard of a very-soon-to-open eatery pushing Beef Tartare with Juniper Berry and Brick Roasted Apples with Creme Fraiche & Peppered Caramel, we knew you would would be intrigued.

And hungry. Get ready for THE LAZY OX CANTEEN, opening next week in Little Tokyo.

Think of TLOC (yes, that’s were calling it) as LA’s answer to New York’s Momofuku. The menu, crafted by Chef Josef Centeno (Lot 1, Meson G, Opus), will be ambitious and seasonally-driven. A blackboard of daily specials will complement an eclectic menu inflected with the tastes of Catalan, French, Japanese and Mexican cuisines.

For starters, try the savory French Feta and Olives with toasted almonds and olive oil, and Brick-Roasted Morcilla Sausage with licorice pear. Entrees are appetizing and hearty, too. Have the Grilled Beef Petite Tender with Frites and Warm Marrow Butter on Toast or a luscious Crispy Confit Duck Leg with Caramelized Onions and Walnut-chile sauce.

Of course, every great meal deserves a great dessert, and The Lazy Ox has many.

Blood Orange Flan, anyone?

The Lazy Ox Canteen opens next week. Preview the menus (dinner, desserts, drinks).

The Lazy Ox Canteen
241 S. San Pedro Street (between 2nd & 3rd Streets), Little Tokyo
(213) 626-5266 | lazyoxcanteen.com

A Gordon Ramsay Cafe Is Born

Editor — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:00:35 +0000

So you really like the tasting menu at Gordon Ramsay.

Heck, you probably like the way everything tastes at the celebrity chef’s LA flagship.

But lately, you’ve been thinking, craving, wanting something more casual, something more relaxed. Thankfully, so has the top toque: introducing BOXWOOD CAFÉ BY GORDON RAMSAY.

If you’ve already made your way over to The London West Hollywood for the celebrity chef’s Michelin-starred cuisine, you already know where you can find Boxwood Café. That’s because the front dining area of the restaurant has been transformed into a more everyday-style eatery where you can saunter in for breakfast, lunch, or even afternoon tea. While you’re there, indulge yourself with The English Breakfast, a power meal complete with two organic eggs, grilled mushrooms, vine tomatoes, sausages, and yes, bacon.

On the weekends, brunch is comfy and boozy with offerings of frittatas, omelettes, Champagne, and the Bloody Everything, a more decadent version of the Bloody Mary.

We know how much you like those…

Boxwood Café by Gordon Ramsay is now open. Preview the café’s various menus here.

Boxwood Café by Gordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood
1020 N. San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood
(310) 358-7788 | thelondonwesthollywood.com/gordon_ramsay

Bouchon Lands in Beverly Hills

Editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:00:13 +0000

Once upon a time in LA restaurant history, there was a spectacular rumor.

A rumor of a three-starred Michelin chef opening an outstanding French restaurant in The Hills.

Rumor, as you know became reality, and construction began on Thomas Keller’s BOUCHON BEVERLY HILLS bistro. Now, as the final few weeks before the restaurant’s grand opening simmers down like a rich reduction sauce, we take a look at Bouchon, by the numbers.

Grandness, as in size of the restaurant: 11,000+ square feet
Grandness, as measured in construction dollars: north of $10 million

Number of stories high: 2
Number of racetrack bars stocked with shellfish and Champagne: 1

Average price of an entrée at Bouchon, such as the Steak Frites or Roast Chicken: $28
Average price of a meal at Per Se, one of Keller’s three-stared Michelin restaurants: $240

Days until the reservation line opens: 5 (Monday, 11/2)
Days until the restaurant opens to the public: 21 (11/18)

Number of American chefs with two 3-star establishments: 1, Thomas Keller (French Laundry and Per Se)

Bouchon Beverly Hills will begin taking reservations on November 2nd by calling (310) 271-9910. Daily service begins on November 18th. Preview the restaurant at bouchonbistro.com.

Bouchon Beverly Hills
Garden Building, between Beverly & Canon Drives (north of Wilshire), Beverly Hills
(310) 271-9910 | bouchonbistro.com

The Barbeque of All Barbeques

Editor — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:48:13 +0000

So you miss Summer.

But most of all, you really miss the barbeques.

While we can’t bring back your favorite season, we can recommend an exquisite new barbeques to keep you warm: it’s called Thursday Night Cookout on the Patio at BLT STEAK.

The action begins on BLT’s patio. You’ll start by grabbing a big plate while contemplating two meats of your choice. For burger fans, there’s a perfectly Grilled 8 oz CAB Burger. For chicken enthusiasts, go with the Lemon Rosemary Chicken. And for rib/brisket lovers, there’s Smoked Baby Back Ribs, Charred Marinated Smoked Baby Back Ribs, and BBQ Braised CAB Beef Brisket.

Of course, no meal is complete without sides and dessert. Thankfully, BLT excels with choice sides like Potato Salad with Bacon and Watercress (it is as good as it sounds), Grilled Corn on the Cob, and Ginger Marinated Tomatoes.

As for dessert, let’s just say that you might have to try them all. And by all, we mean Peach Cobbler with Butterscotch Ice Cream, Blueberry Pie with Lemon Verbena Ice cream, and a Classic Strawberry Sundae.

Personally, we’re going with the Peach Cobbler. Then again…

Thursday Night Cookouts on the Patio at BLT Steak start this Thursday. Meals are $35 per person. Visit bltsteak.com.

BLT Steak
8720 Sunset Blvd (West of La Cienaga), West Hollywood
(310) 360-1950 | bltsteak.com

Philippe Chow Lands in LA

Editor — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:00:46 +0000

Some say a city is only as good as its Chinese food.

In that case, Los Angeles is about to get better.

Much better. Introducing Philippe Chow West Hollywood, opening Friday on Melrose. For those who’ve already feasted on Philippe’s excellent Peking Duck and perfect Chicken Satay, well, you know how gastronomically great this is.

For everyone else, know that the talented chef has been quietly conquering the high-end Chinese food scene in New York, Miami, and Mexico, starring outstanding cuisine with a side of celebrity scene. For his first LA restaurant, he’s taken over the former 5,000-square-foot Dolce space in trademark modern Philippe style, complete with red furnishings and bamboo accents.

As for the food, you can expect all of the tasty signature dishes that have made Philippe so popular. That means Kung Pao Chicken with Spicy Peanut Sauce, Nine Seasons Spicy Prawns, and Mr. Cheng’s Noodles, made of hand-pulled noodles in a pork or veal bean sauce.

For extra points, commander your next party in the restaurant’s intimate, private wine cellar.

Because this isn’t a find you can keep to yourself…

Get a taste of Philippe Chow at their slick website.

Philippe Chow West Hollywood
8284 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood
Tel: (323) 951-1100
philippechow.com

Oyster Shooters and Kobe Steaks in Hollywood

Editor — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Good Chinese food isn’t exactly a novelty in LA.

But for really, really ridiculously good Chinese food, you’ll need to head to Hollywood.

And be patient because EAST Restaurant and Lounge opens to the public in exactly two weeks from today.

Perhaps you’ve heard a little about Hollywood’s best-looking new restaurant. That it welcomes you with a roaring 10-foot glass fireplace and a dining room anchored by a canopy of trees and a 65-foot skylight with views of the night sky above.

While EAST is unique and unforgettable in its looks, it’s equally excellent with its French-inflected cuisine. Oyster Shooters and Scallops on the 1/2 Shell from the raw bar are easy ways to start off, as are Lobster Dogs and Duck Shumai. For mains, try the savory/sweet Bali Peppered Tuna coupled with gingered sweet potatoes and barbecue sauce or tender Habachi Style Kobe Steaks with Bunashimeji mushrooms.

To help it all go down smoothly, the good bartenders at EAST are cooking up a new cocktail menu that should be ready in the next couple of weeks.

Just in time for your first dinner reservation…

EAST is now soft-open for private parties and opens to the public in two weeks (10/6).

EAST Restaurant & Lounge
6611 Hollywood Blvd (East of Cherokee), Hollywood
Tel: (323) 462-3278
east-hollywood.com

Bacon-Wrapped Matzo Balls, Anyone?

Editor — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:00:44 +0000

Conventional wisdom says that Jewish food shouldn’t be mixed with bacon (sad but true).

But Top Chef season two winner Ilan Halls, of Jewish and Scottish descent, is anything but conventional.

So expect the unexpected at his new restaurant, The Gorbals, opening soon at The Alexandria Hotel in Downtown LA. Named for a formerly edgy, now artsy neighborhood in Glasgow, Scotland where Hall’s parents grew up, The Gorbals is Hall’s new visionary cuisine mash-up eatery for Downtown (now artsy, too).

Begin by passing through a series of stained glass windows up front to an airy, open space anchored by a show-stopping, large communal oak table in the main dining room. Plant yourself and contemplate a beverage (beer, wine, or cocktail) to pair with appetizers such as Bacon-Wrapped Matzo Balls or Lobster Hummus. As for mains, we hear Halls will be introducing stylized comfort food from both sides of his family. Think Haggis Burgers, Chicken Skin Sandwiches, Gefilte Fish ‘n Chips, and curiously… Paella.

Must be the New York City in him.

The Gorbals opens next week. Head to their site for more details.

The Gorbals
501 South Spring Street (at West 5th Street), Downtown Los Angeles
Tel: (213) 488-3408
thegorbalsla.com

The Great Outdoors. Now with Cocktails.

Editor — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 21:00:49 +0000

Sometimes a night out should mean a night out.

Literally.

Take the soon-to-open Rockwell Restaurant and Lounge, the outdoor offshoot of Vermont Restaurant in Los Feliz.

When it officially soft-opens in two weeks, you’ll be able to saunter in to the 6,000 square-foot, multi-level space when you’re in the mood for, say, Truffled Parmesan Fries and Grilled California Artichokes with tarragon mayo, a refreshing glass of wine, and an awesome view of the city.

As for the scenery, don’t look to the inside but out. Rockwell plans to bring the inside out with a coveted wood-stone oven, top-floor VIP seating area, and brace yourself: a private observatory deck (perfect for your inner voyeur).

Throw in a bar on each level, innovative cocktails (we hear there will be one made with housemade vodka, St. Germain and a grilled grapefruit), and a Cali comfort food menu by Vermont’s Chef Stephane Beaucam, and the great outdoors should be, well, great.

Décor by Mother Nature.

Rockwell Restaurant and Lounge soft-opens in two weeks.

Rockwell Restaurant and Lounge at Vermont Restaurant
1714 N. Vermont Avenue (at Kingswell Avenue), Los Feliz
Tel: (323) 661-6163
vermontrestaurantonline.com

Oysters, Foie Gras, and Cinnamon Roasted Maine Lobster

Editor — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:00:05 +0000

We know you’re adventurous and hard to please.

You like to think and eat outside the box.

Luckily, we know a new place that meets your gustatory expectations: say bonjour to Bistro LQ, opening tonight. Named for chef/owner Laurent Quenioux (formerly of Bistro K), Bistro LQ is the kind of place you’ll want to settle in to for a little “edgy” French.

In contrast with the cuisine, simple décor allows you to unwind and focus on the food. The space is small, the flavors large. Start things off by choosing from a decadent 6 or 9 course Degustation (Tasting) Menu. There are Overtures (starters) like Chanterelles, Sea Urchin Tapioca, Kumamoto Oysters, Foie Gras (prepared three different ways!), Cinnamon Roasted Maine lobster, and Frog Legs (view the tantalizing menu) to choose from.

For mains, loosen your belt for Duck Breasts, Roasted Lamb Chops, and Hanger Steaks. Polish it all of with a bottle of wine from the restaurant’s tightly edited list or an artisan beer (or two).

As for dessert, let’s just say the Five Course Tasting Menu (check out the dessert menu) is one of the best we’ve ever seen.

Bon appétit, indeed.

LQ Bistro is now open. Head to bistrolq.com for more.

Bistro LQ
8009 Beverly Blvd (between Crescent Heights & Fairfax), Mid-Wilshire
Tel: (323) 951-1088
bistrolq.com

Good Libations on Hollywood Boulevard

Editor — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:09:41 +0000

With just four days ’til the fourth, you’re in the mood to celebrate like every American.

And by that we mean with beer. Lots of it.

Dive in and get comfortable at the brand new Essex Public House, Hollywood’s first official gastropub, opening Thursday. Chef Chris Ennis’s (of One Sunset and Asia De Cuba) laid back addition to the Boulevard boasts a brew selection custom crafted by Christina “The Beer Chick” Perozzi, with over fifty labels including rare and vintage finds, plus beer cocktails to boot.

Once you’ve mastered the liquid first course, it’s time to move to heartier fare like Grilled Pizza with Spicy Pamplona Chorizo, Buffalo Mozzarella, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Oregano, and Chicken, and Biscuits with Sweet English Peas and Natural Gravy. Finish on a sweet note with Bing Cherry Streudel with Warm Cardamom Icing and Pistachio Whip Cream.

It’s Brit charm and interiors, meets your local neighboring watering hole, in the center of global glitz.

In other words… American.

Dig in.

Essex Public House
Located at 6683 Hollywood Blvd. (at N. Las Palmas), Hollywood
Tel: (323) 460-6608
essexhollywood.com

Editor�s Note: RARE returns next Tuesday. Enjoy the long Holiday.