Garnering from it’s namesake magazine, the new dining/nightlife mecca, Rolling Stone Restaurant & Lounge at Hollywood & Highland is full of rock ‘n’ roll style, splashed with surprises around every corner—just look up.
As you crossover from the lounge into the 5,900-sq. ft. dining room lined with leather banquettes, gazing down on you from the ceiling are illuminated vintage covers of Rolling Stone magazine. This is far from the only reference to the magazine. Framed photos of rock icons pepper the cocktail lounge, while larger graphics line the walls of the dining room.
And like any rockstar, when you visit RS/LA, cocktails are in order. Signature drinks include the Whiskey Delicious (Jameson Irish Whisky, cucumber, lime juice, mint, simple syrup); Strawberry Fields (Absolut Vodka, St. Germain, strawberry and lemon juice, bitters, Chandon Brut) and The Wayfarer (10 Cane Rum, lime and orange juices, housemaid grenadine, orgeat, bitters).
The menu in the dining room isn’t your ordinary burger and fries (through they are available) as well. Executive chef Christopher Ennis (One Sunset, Stout, Crown Bar, Vibrato Jazz Grill, Astra West) offers elevated selections with an an emphasis on mixed small plates, American preparations and flavors infused from Asia and Europe. Snacks include warm bleu cheese popovers with caramelized shallot butter; soft pretzel knots with beer cheese fondue, to name a few. Main courses include pan-roasted wild striped bass with preserved lemon, capers & raisins; organic herbed chicken, cannellini beans, pancetta and spinach; cabernet-braised short rib osso bucco, with whipped potatoes and chard; as well as an array of grilled and roasted meats and fish. The pan roasted salmon is served over wilted baby spinach; it arrives with fingerling potatoes and is garnished with capers and golden raisins. Another menu highlight—the grilled rack of lamb-sits on top of a bed of black quinoa and is accompanied by roasted asparagus.
The rest of RS/LA includes a downstairs lounge with private booths, lounge bar and elevated DJ booth. B-side bar, the 45-person capacity VIP lounge (with a private entrance off Highland Ave.), hosts its mid-week mixologist stir-n-shakedown, “Are You Experienced?;” where guest mixologists showcase their talents along with B-Side’s Tricia Alley.
6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.464.4000. www.rollingstonela.com
Open: Sun.-Weds. 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat. 11:30 a.m. – midnight. The lounge is open 10:00 p.m. – 2 a.m. Thurs.-Sat.
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