The Real Industry Dish
Whether the restaurants are a studio executive's second home or a hot adjunct to a cool hotel, these restaurants exemplify quintessential spots for networking, schmoozing wheeling, dealing, and toasting the beginning of a beautiful friendship in 21st century Hollywood.
By Elyse Glickman
Hotel Restaurants Where "Hollywood" Happens |
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Public Kitchen @ The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel 7000 Hollywood Boulevard
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The Premise: Executive Chef Tim Goodell, a 20-year A-Lister in Los Angeles dining, bucks the pub grub chic trend, transforming his former Dakotah Steakhouse into a second act his audience did not see coming! The Plot: It's James Bond on a plate! It may be comfort food, but it has a wicked sense of humor and a dash of daring. Goodell blends market-ingredient salads with Germanic and Austrian-inspired main courses, complimented by molecular gastronomy deserts that still manage to be accessible and delicious. Though rich, hearty dishes like the veal pot roast, potato leek soup, burrata cheese "parfait," the fizzy peanut butter and jelly dessert and the onion tart flatbread are not for the faint of calories, the presentations intrigue, entice, and excite. Supporting Cast: Though the general list of celeb patrons is hush-hush, it is widely reported that it is a favorite haunt for Brad and Angelina. Writer/producer Gary Ross has been seen dining at Public Kitchen & Bar at The Hollywood Roosevelt quite often. The boys of HBO's Entourage lived at the hotel, making it their de-facto dining room. |
Livello @ L'Ermitage Beverly Hills Hotel 9291 Burton Way
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The Premise: Executive Chef Joseph Elevado stirs up a little drama with a refined menu weaving Asian and Italian flavors. The Plot: Livello surely gets some extra attention during Oscar week when several gifting lounges set up shop in the L'Ermitage's rooftop and garden areas. Besides the lush, exotic menu fare, Livello seduces (thanks to her stylist, showbiz-favorite decorator Kelly Wearstler) with her two-story wall of glass overlooking a verdant garden patio as well as a swanky patio with urban-chic landscaping, a fireplace, waterfall, and luxuriant greenery. Supporting Cast: In addition to many drop-ins attending 2012 Oscar suites hosted by The Secret Room, WOW! Creations, and Roger Neal, it is reported by the Hollywood trades that it has been a go-to place for employees of nearby Participant Media, Lakeshore Entertainment, and Netflix. |
Whist @ Viceroy Santa Monica Beach Hotel 1819 Ocean Avenue
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The Premise: Executive Chef Tony DiSalvo brings a touch of Cannes to the Pacific with Mediterranean cuisine crafted from produce sourced both locally and globally. In-demand tastemaker Kelly Wearstler completes the picture with an ambiance that matches up with the food. The Plot: Whist's exquisite Anglo-European décor sets the stage for sunny beach-adjacent deals and negotiations. Vintage furniture and tables stylishly draped in white linen are juxtaposed with modern pentagonal glass chandeliers and an eclectic collage of antique china plates punctuating the walls. Supporting Cast: While the outdoor cabana area flanking the restaurant has played host to numerous premiere bashes, liquor industry events, and L.A. Fashion Week runway parties, there is a private dining area where it is reported in the U.K.'s Daily Mail newspaper that Owen Wilson, Jim Carrey and Jennifer Aniston have all made extended cameo appearances. |
Hollywood Homes-Away-From Home: Setting the Scene for Success |
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Ammo 1155 North Highland Avenue
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The Premise: Ammo is a "Hollywood Canteen" for the 21st Century, where business heads rub shoulders with celebs, studio employees, and neighbors who simply like comfort food that is just a little lighter, healthier, and focused on freshly gathered local ingredients. The Plot: Chef de Cuisine BJ Munoz feeds his clientele's taste for nostalgia while freshening up the menu with uniquely California trends. Case in point: The comeback of artisanal flatbread pizzas, baked to crisp perfection in a wood-burning oven. Says Ammo General Manager Benny Bohm from his director's chair, "Ammo isn't just some place that sells food. We approach it as a service to the community." Supporting Cast: Besides Paramount's roster of executives and hardworking employees, and those of neighboring studios, Ammo's appeal to celebrities is no secret. Cameron Diaz, Leonardo Dicaprio, Justin Timberlake, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and many others have broken bread at this warm and welcoming locale. |
Federal Bar & Restaurant 5303 Lankershim Boulevard
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The Premise: Federal makes its case as a restaurant with staying power, thanks to its lineup of familiar comfort food served up with a generous helping of creativity and wit. The Plot: Executive Chef Shad Davis and Chef de Cuisine is Stefhani Meyers know their audience, especially given their location in the heart of North Hollywood's Theater District. However, don't let dishes with names like Steak & Bake, The Wrangler, Vegan Weena, and Elvis Pie fool you—the ingredients and execution of the dishes are solid. That said, there's also something special for vegetarians in store, as well as a prolific library of artisan beers and cocktails. Supporting Cast: Besides being a home and hearth away from home for those working at the Television Academy, Universal, and Warner Brother's studios a few minutes down the road, it has been a gathering place for the cast and crew members of Desperate Housewives and Carson Daly. Other regulars include Felicity Huffman & William H. Macy, Kristin Chenoweth, LL Cool J, Anna Faris, and Eric McCormack. |
