6 New Summer Dining Hot Spots in LA and NYC
Flitting from east coast to west coast this summer? While your property might be managed by our state-of-the-art technology, make sure you’re not missing out on state-of-the-art summer dining experiences. We’ve picked our favourite restaurant openings this summer, so you’ll never be stuck for a bite to eat.
What’s new in New York this summer?
Frog Club
It opened back in February, but it’s still one of the most talked-about openings. Los Angeles chef Liz Johnson was meant to open it alongside her partner Will Aghajanian, but they have just been through some complicated divorce proceedings. So Liz opened it on her own. Located inside the former speakeasy Chumley’s, it’s still very hush hush. The no-photography policy means that stickers are placed over diners’ cameras. So you’ll have to go to find out what the fuss is all about yourself.
86 Bedford Street, NY 10014, www.frogclub.nyc
Kiko
Nothing is more appealing than a new restaurant opening up on Spring Street in Greenwich village this summer. Lina Goujjane, a manager from Michelin-starred Sushi Noz, and Alex Chang of Animal in Los Angeles and Il Buco, are joining forces to launch an American-Asian inspired spot. The 75-seat a la carte restaurant will draw on Chang’s Chinese heritage and his father’s upbringing in Japan, with plenty of unique Asian flavours.
307 Spring Street, NY 10013
Jōji
Another Asian destination, Jōji is hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city’s tourist traps. Tucked away in an alcove under Grand Central Terminal, it’s hard to spot. But it’s worth it when you find it. The new 18-seater Omakase restaurant is run by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud and each course is paired with sake and wine.
1 Vanderbilt Ave, NY 10017, www.jojiny.com
Sun-filled luxury summer dining in Los Angeles
Amour
Dial up the romance on Beverly Boulevard in Amour’s candle-lit summer dining room. Cosy seating and a blooming courtyard provide plenty of secret corners for flirting. This elevated French brasserie has flecks of Japanese-inspired cuisines, with Wagyu beef and black cod tempura making an appearance on the five and eight-course tasting menus. You’re certainly in safe hands with El Bullí-trained head chef Dani Chavez-Bello and owner Thomas Fuks.
8715 Beverly Boulevard, CA 90048, www.amourweho.love
Coucou
This is the second eatery opened by owners Jesse and Hayley Feldman; their first opened in Venice, Florida last year. Chef Jacob Wetherington has looked to France for inspiration with a menu topped with dishes like flatbread with bacon and escargot, bone marrow served over frisee, and steak tartare. There’s also a patio for those who want to enjoy a lazy brunch al fresco.
9045 Santa Monica Boulevard, CA 90069, www.coucou.la
Stella Ristorante
Next up, a new Italian favourite. Stella was opened in February by Toronto chef Rob Gentile and his design-oriented business partner, Janet Zuccarini. The menu features mozzarella grigliata with lashings of Canadian olive oil, nduja pizza, and bowls of su filindeu, a type of Sicilian pasta in lamb and chicken broth. And then for dessert, there’s the cassata siciliana, a traditional Sicilian cake with pistachio, chocolate and amarena cherries. Indulgent but delicious summer dining.
8899 Beverly Boulevard, CA 90048, www.stellawesthollywood.com
Stay tuned for news on more openings. Or please get in touch with Bill Shipton to find out more about our property services: bill.shipton@boldandreeves.co.uk