First impressions are everything, and the new Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills has taken the notion to a whole other level.
Upon driving up to the hotel’s busy valet, three-white gloved valet attendants appear at our car to escort us to the main, golden double doors.
The new property has an upscale ambiance indeed, but the restaurant has a laid back Californian vibe: modestly furnished decor, palm tree cushions and organic outdoor seating.
Our ‘culinary expert’ (AKA our waiter) and his assistant for the night help explain the menu and recommend dishes.
Our taste buds were ready to be taken on a journey of South American flavours and European classics for what turned out to be a unique yet elegant farm-to-table experience.
Our first course was the Avocado Capaccio Serrano Chili Cilantro and Lime Pizza, otherwise known as the avocado toast. It was almost too beautiful to eat, as the crispy sourdough aligned with the soft texture of the avocado and resulted in a new spin on the basic avocado toast. It tasted as good as it looked.
Next, we tried the Organic Kale and Watercress Salad with Snap Peas. While I knew it was not going to be my favourite – I am not big on kale – it is a great choice if you are into the vegetable. I chose to stick to my avocado toast.
What arrived next was something that did not disappoint, the Black Cod with Broccoli and Spicy Herbal Broth. Don’t let the name of the dish fool you, as it is anything but basic. The fish was perfectly cooked with hints of sweetness and tart spice.
To conclude our meal, we brought a piece of warm dark chocolate cake with homemade vanilla bean ice cream. The rich chocolate was paired with a hint of sea salt and pure vanilla bean.
The restaurant’s overall service was unparalleled, while the food was delicious and impressive. Even though the pricing is a bit on the expensive side, every dollar spent was well worth it. You are not just paying for the food, you are paying for the experience of a Jean-Georges restaurant.
If you are up for something more casual, or want a place with stunning scenery, head to the hotel roof for Jean-George’s The Rooftop lounge.
Bill for 2 people (without beverages): $114
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