Stylish Menus Served in Casual Fashion

BY MONIQUE REIDY

TODAY’S FOODIES WANT FLAVOR WITHOUT FUSS. OUR HECTIC LIFESTYLES RARELY ACCOMMODATE A STUFFY RESTAURANT ENVIRONMENT THAT REQUIRES STILETTOS AND SEQUINS. BUT WHILE AN EASYGOING DINING EXPERIENCE MIGHT MEAN THE SETTING IS LESS FORMAL, THE QUALITY OF THE MENU AND THE SERVICE OF THE STAFF SHOULD NEVER RELAX. HERE ARE TWO EATERIES THAT OFFER A COMFORTABLE AMBIANCE COUPLED WITH SUPERB MENU OPTIONS.

t Loews Hollywood Hotel may be best known as the lodging site for the movie industry’s elite during the Academy Awards, but the star of the show at the Loews Hollywood property is its lobby bar.

H2 Kitchen & Bar, which is named for its home at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, is conveniently located near the entrance to the hotel.

However, H2’s menu is unlike most lobby bars. First off, the food is fresh, made-to-order and tasty. The menu, under the direction of Executive Chef Charly Houegban, features unique dishes such as Bao Bun Trio (smoked pork belly, al pastor, pork asado, Korean pepper sauce); Yellowfin Ahi Tuna Ceviche; Crispy Whiskey Honey Chicken Sandwich; and a Greenhouse Artisan Salad.

The desserts take the cake as the most creative concoctions on the menu. The Chocolate Experience is a decadent combination of chocolate mousse, chocolate rum sauce, sweet cream and chocolate macaron. The Trifle contains crystalized sugar brioche, Bavarian Crème and tres leches cream, while the Tempered features cinnamon coffee crumble cake, coffee buttercream, toffee ganache and a duo of coffee and espresso gelato.

The cocktail menu consists of delicious blends named after Southern California landmarks. The Cahuenga & Selma is a mix of Mitcher's Whiskey, amaro, demerara and orange bitters, and the Sunset & Vine fuses Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka, lime and Campari. Wines, beers, seltzers and soft drinks are also available.

H2 Kitchen & Bar is a popular place to meet friends for a drink or a casual dinner, and since nearly every outing in the LA region involves a meal, it’s a convenient spot to pick up food on the way to Griffith Park or the Hollywood Bowl.