by Daniel Djang
When you think of rock and roll, upscale market-driven cuisine may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But Rolling Stone Restaurant and Lounge (RS/LA) has plenty of surprises in store for you at its location in the Hollywood & Highland Center, just off the hustle and bustle of the main plaza.
For his eclectic menu, Executive Chef Christopher Ennis uses the freshest ingredients by sourcing local produce from the Hollywood Farmers Market. The RS/LA drink menu was created by Ryan Magarian, a respected beverage service consultant and co-founder of the well-regarded Aviation Gin. Magarian’s cocktails have a broad appeal, yet even the pickiest cocktail enthusiast will enjoy them.
Credit: Daniel Djang
Instead of a cookie cutter design, RS/LA has opted for a sleek, visually rich interior for the 10,500 square foot space. The dining room features tufted red leather banquettes, Mid-Century leather chairs, and black and white images of music legends. Iconic magazine covers from throughout Rolling Stone’s history are used as design elements.
Credit: Daniel Djang
The bar is almost the first thing you’ll see when you enter, so why not start with the aptly-named Whiskey Delicious: hot house cucumber, farm fresh peppermint, Jameson Irish Whiskey and freshly squeezed lime juice. It’s a bright, balanced whiskey cocktail that quickly became the bar’s most popular signature cocktail.
If you’re in a tropical mood, try the Campari Pineapple Rickey, made with Belvedere Vodka, Campari, freshly squeezed juice, freshly extracted pineapple juice, and club soda.
Now that summer is in full swing, you’ll want to sip this one on the RS/LA patio and do some serious people watching. RS/LA features a daily Happy Hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with $5 well drinks, $5 wine specials and $3 domestic beers.
The RS/LA menu has something for everyone, whether you’re snacking at the bar or settling in for a full meal. Starters like soft pretzel knots, warm cheddar popovers, acorn squash tortellini and stuffed mushrooms are way beyond french fries, though the RS/LA version with garlic, parsley and spicy ketchup is fantastic. Flatbreads are great for sharing, especially the prosciutto or the truffled enochi mushroom. Meat lovers can’t miss the cabernet-braised short rib osso buco, fork-tender and served with horseradish whipped Yukon Gold potatoes and wilted pea tendrils. If you’re more of the seafood type, opt for the pan-roasted Atlantic salmon, served with spinach, capers and golden raisins. And unlike the chefs at some fine dining restaurants, Chef Ennis will do his best to accommodate any dietary restrictions.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Rolling Stone restaurant if there wasn’t music, and RS/LA has you covered. The lounge one floor down surrounds you in jet set comfort, from the white leather circular banquettes to the bling bling bottle service. Music performances range from alternative to acoustic, depending on what night you visit. And you’ll definitely be feelin’ irie during the brand new Reggae Sundays, featuring DJ beats and drink specials from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Summer of Love was over forty years ago, the same year that Rolling Stone Magazine was founded. If you love music, great food and delicious drinks, Rolling Stone Restaurant and Lounge is the place to be if you’re looking for this year’s “summer of love”!
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