We have news from the West Coast that will excite foodies and street wear fashionistas. The Benjamin Hollywood, the restaurant debut from Ben Shenassafar of iconic urbanwear brand The Hundreds, opens late June in Hollywood, CA.
Located in a 1920s Art Deco building reminiscent of Old Hollywood, The Benjamin Hollywood is an elegant new drinking and dining destination to see and be seen. A modern tribute to classic restaurant haunts, The Benjamin Hollywood offers upscale interpretations of beloved American dishes crafted by Executive Chef Johnny Cirelle (formerly of Spago, and most recently Bestia and Bavel).
The menu is complemented by a beverage program from Nathan Oliver (formerly Church & State, No Vacancy and Ink) with a dedicated martini and sparkling cocktail menus.
THE MENU
Chef Johnny Cirelle’s menu takes an elevated approach to American classics. Starters include Chips & Dip with Kennebec triple fried chips and caramelized onion; and Orange Chicken Wings with sweet and sour glaze. Mains include The Benjamin Burger -made from a House Blend with New School American cheese, Hickory sauce, grilled onion, house pickles, and fries; and Australian Wagyu New York Strip with cognac cream sauce and peppercorns. Add on show-stopping sides like The Twice Baked Potato, served with creme fraiche, chives, cheddar, and optional bacon lardon or Astra caviar.
Desserts like “Cookies & Cream”, brown butter chocolate chip cookies served with house whipped cream, and Kate’s Carrot Cake with Chantilly mascarpone cream cheese and candied walnuts round out the menu. As a parting gift, each table will receive custom The Benjamin Hollywood branded mint chocolate truffles from Valerie Confections with their check.
THE DRINKS
The classic cocktail program features elevated takes on favorites such as Ben’s Martini with Monkey 47 Gin, Noilly Prat dry vermouth, lemon oil, served with olives & chips; and Spicy Strawberry Margarita with El Tesoro Blanco Tequila, strawberry oleo, shiso, lime and Serrano pepper.
There is also a dedicated martini section with varieties including the Porn Star Martini with Amass Vodka, champagne, passion fruit and coconut; and Summer Martini with Ford’s Gin, dry vermouth, Juliette peach liqueur, bay leaf and lemon essence.
A selection of Sparkling Cocktails are also on the menu, such as Garden Cup with sparkling cava, Campari, mineral water, cucumber, strawberry, lemon and orange; and Apricot Spritz, with Prosecco, apricot, mineral water, cinnamon, and pecan bitters.
THE VIBE
Housed in a 1920s Art Deco building, The Benjamin Hollywood’s handsome 58-seat dining room is enveloped in warm, caramel-stained wood paneling, with custom wall-to-wall carpeting with a black and gold Art Deco pattern. The room is anchored by a stunning 15-seat solid oak bar and lit by overhead wedding cake glass pendants with brass hardware.
Staff will be uniformed in custom black chore coats designed by The Hundreds, complementing the dining room’s aesthetic.
The music at The Benjamin Hollywood is curated by friends of The Hundreds, such as notable producer Alexander Spit, who has worked with major artists like Brice Waller and Errol Chatham of Blondie Beach.
The Benjamin Hollywood - LA
7174 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA
Open for dinner Tues-Sat from 5:30pm - late. Reservations are available via Resy. Valet service begins at 5:30pm.
For more information, visit thebenjaminhollywood.com and follow @thebenjaminhollywood on Instagram.
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