In the glittering heart of West Hollywood, behind the Edition West Hollywood’s verdant embrace, lies Ardor – a hidden gem that’s more than just a dining spot; it’s a vibrant love letter to California, penned by the illustrious Chef John Fraser. This isn’t just another ritzy eatery on the Sunset Strip; it’s a culinary showcase where vegetables take center stage and brings a different level of presentation to the way we enjoy fine dining.
Imagine strolling into a setting so intimate, it feels like you’ve stepped into a secret garden. Ardor wraps you in an ambiance filled with lush greenery, warm lights and rich wood interiors that Ian Schrager himself would nod approvingly at. It’s the perfect backdrop for those who seek a dining experience that’s both electric and intimate, much like a rendezvous in a secluded forest glade or a festive gathering among close friends and family. The outdoor garden, a foliage-filled sanctuary, offers an escape from the Sunset Boulevard’s perpetual buzz, inviting you to a unique al fresco dining experience.
Now, let’s talk about the service. Picture this: well-dressed servers gliding around in minimalist attire, their simple yet elegant white uniforms perfectly complementing the upscale vibe of the surroundings. The bar, a modern marvel draped in curtains, beckons with its selection of Amaro and Dry cocktails, creating a setting so quintessentially Hollywood, it’s as if you’ve stepped into the pages of a swanky novel. Here, sipping on your favorite whiskey or cocktail isn’t just a pastime; it’s an integral part of the Ardor experience. Plus they also have a vibrant palette of spirit-forward and non-alcoholic options, each celebrating local fruits and vegetables in their colorful light.
Chef John Fraser, a Californian native and a maestro of vegetable-forward cooking, ensures that every dish is a testament to his food ideology. His award-winning dish, Tandoor Carrots is adorned with eggplant croutons, hummus, pine nuts and a tantalizing paprika vinaigrette. The 8oz prime skirt steak, lovingly paired with a house mole and confit garlic, and the buttermilk-soaked tempura onion rings dusted with umami powder, stand out in their own right. Let’s not forget the dessert- the Ardor’s signature Hazelnut Bar, a milk chocolate mousse with feuilletine and black truffle gastrique. It tasted very similar to a Twix bar, an upscaled version of it, where you get a balance of creamy and crunchy all in one bit.
In the end, Ardor is not just a restaurant; it’s a destination where every element, from the ambience to the service, from the food to the drinks, creates an experience that’s as memorable as it is delicious. It’s a place where the hustle of West Hollywood fades into the background, leaving you in a culinary . So, whether you’re planning a romantic date or a special gathering, Ardor awaits to whisk you away on a gastronomic adventure that’s quintessentially Californian, uniquely Fraser and absolutely West Hollywood.
For More Information, ardorweho.com
Location: 9040 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 7-11 a.m; 6-10 p.m.
Friday: Breakfast – 7-11 a.m.
Dinner – 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
Saturday: Breakfast – 7-11 a.m.
Lunch – 12-3:303 p.m.
Dinner – 4-10 p.m.
Sunday: Breakfast – 7-11 a.m
Lunch – 12-3:30 p.m.
Dinner – 6-10 p.m.
Photo credits: Courtesy of Owned by The Door and Kayla Pournazarian
