Although I also wrote up Eveleigh, the striking new restaurant on the Sunset Strip, for Frontiers, I originally went in for LA Confidential, since it's definitely one of the hippest up-and-coming restaurants in the city. I mean, the view alone!
But I don't want to get into it prematurely. Instead, read my LA Confidential article below!
Eveleigh
By Eric Rosen
Sunset Strip restaurants are more like nightclubs than great dining destinations, what with velvet ropes, overpriced cocktails, and unremarkable menus. The trio of young Aussie entrepreneurs behind Eveleigh (pronounced “ever-lee,” like the Sydney suburb) are aiming to change all that, though.
Even the entrance lets you know you’re in for a unique experience. Wander beneath the olive tree-shaded arbor and past the trickling fountain into the main building, which was originally constructed in 1923, but most recently was a Kenneth Cole store. These days, its design elements include Douglas fir floorboards salvaged from a church, cabinets full of garage sale curios, and a ceramic cow’s head over the fireplace, its gaze intent upon the zinc bar where specialty cocktails like The Woods, with Famous Grouse, sweet vermouth, cherry herring and Clementine, are shaken up.
The best tables, however, are on the back patio, which is peaked with wooden beams, and illuminated by maritime lamps that create a glamping-like ambiance. Diners have the perfect view both of the city lights and the organic herb and vegetable garden as they enjoy Chef Jordan Toft’s menu of delights like the fried eggplant salad with scallions and cilantro in rice wine, soy and cumin dressing; crisp pork belly with polenta, watercress, shallots and currant salad; and a gooey baked pear crumble with almond crunch and spiced butterscotch. Even more impressive: the best list of hard-to-find Australian wines in the city, with benchmarks like Leeuwin Estate and Torbreck.
8752 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069, (424) 239-1630; theeveleigh.com
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