Adventures in gastronmy and LA’s vibrant hotel scene
I was turned on to hospitality spots a few years ago by a good friend who guided me through the labyrinth of Los Angeles concept hotels. Unlike the ephemeral night club scene that constantly exhausts itself into ubiquity, hotels have stepped forward with a durability and plasticity missing in even the most established nightclubs. The hotel industry offers something that bars lack – options; to swim, to eat, to play, to pamper, to appreciate. It’s a self-contained hedonistic paradise. And what’s more exciting than spirit of tourism, even if you’re not the one on vacay?
As my interest continues to pique, the next few posts will pay homage to LA’s fabulous and underrated Hotel scene.
Gastronomy: The study of the relationship between culture and food.
SLS Hotel
The Baazar by Jose Andres
Designer Phillipe Starck’s decor was obviously meant to confuse; a combination of taxidermy, singere, and old world relics create a seemingly disjointed first impression. It doesn’t take long before the frenetic ambiance becomes novel. I was pleasantly surprised by the theatrics of each dish, not to mention the unique and meticulous flavor packed into the miniature tapas. The tuna ceviche and avocado roll melts on your tongue like butter. Perfectly constructed martinis are poured over beds of home-made cotton candy. Nitrogen caipirinhas billowing smoke are whisked into delicate, fluffy slushys and garnished with fresh herbs. Every sip is an experience. Perhaps the only detraction is the removal of Dragon’s Breath, a flirty nitro appetizer featured in a shining 4-star LA Times Review, from the menu. It’s not difficult to understand why a nitrogen-soaked popcorn (which produces smoke billowing from your nose and mouth) is a health/safety liability. Still the lure of such innovative cuisine is compulsory. Good thing the appetizer is still available in a secluded restaurant behind the Bazaar, Saam.
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- making of my nitro caipirinha
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- $16 Nitro Caipirinha
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- $10 Sweet potato chips Yogurt, tamarind, star anise
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- $18 Crab meat steamed buns, Pickled Japanese cucumbers
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- $15 Foie gras, Quince, brioche
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- $12 Coconut –white chocolate and passion fruit
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- $12 SLS Tres Chocolate Mousse
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- $12 Tuna ceviche and avocado roll – jicama, micro cilantro, coconut dressing
Saam
Saam is a private restaurant within a restaurant. It doesn’t get much more exclusive than this and the bill is nothing to scoff at either. While Dragon’s breath is no longer available at the Bazaar, one can still try it by requesting a reservation Thursday through Saturday at Saam. At $95 per person, Saam’s tasting menu features 16 – 20 sumptuous tapas created under Jose Andres’ supervision. Wine pairing is an additional $45 – $55. Good thing they offer a complimentary welcoming cocktail! This is not for the faint of heart, but it is certainly an adventure worth every penny.
SLS Pool
Every sip and bite at the Bazaar is an experience, much like the luscious rooftop pool surrounded by frames that offer candid glimpses of Hollywood nooks. The pool is reserved for Hotel Guests only, but if you are a spa guest, they will allow you up. A 90-minute poolside mani/peddi will do the trick ($100 includes body massage).
MOSS Retail Boutique
The union of booze and fine art may not appear to be a winning combination, but somehow SLS pulls it off. Just beside the Lobby, straddling the mouth-watering Patisserie is yet another space to write home about. Although there are some exorbitantly priced “pieces,” which more resemble scraps of metal slapped with a price tag, SLS boasts carefully crafted 16th century Busts that can be re-purposed into jewelry stands. For the postmodernist, a fish tank filled with gummy bears is displayed for your amusement (or bemusement). The union of novel and classic is perfect for lingering with a drink or consequently trying not to bump into anything valuable.
for the 14k fetishist and avant-garde cyclist
