Three LA restaurants earn prestigious recommendations
By Kerry Slater
The inaugural Michelin Guide California is officially out, blessing California residents with the first ever statewide ranking from the prestigious guide. 657 restaurants received recommendations, 90 of which were ranked with Michelin stars. Since the early 20th century, the Michelin guide has evolved into one of the most trusted sources for travelers and foodies both near and afar. Over time, the revered guide grew to reflect different trends in dining but continued to rely on the five criteria used by inspectors for its consistent rankings.
Needless to say, it’s an exciting time for California foodies. According to Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, “Michelin is honored to reveal the 2019- star selection and to celebrate the talented California chefs and their teams included in the first statewide Guide in the U.S.” Poullennec added, “California’s trendsetting, laid-back and health-conscious culinary scene continues to boom, and as a result is an amazing showcase for the great local produce.”
For the first time in nearly a decade, the City of Angels has made its grand return to the guide with 24 Michelin ranked restaurants. While no Century City or Westwood restaurant earned a star, several earned prestigious Michelin recommendations.
Nerano
9960 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90212
http://www.neranobh.com/
Spaghetti Vongole with Manila Clams at Nerano.
Nerano, an Italian seafood-friendly restaurant on Santa Monica Boulevard earned high praise from the Michelin critics for both their top-notch food and competent service.
“Nerano is LA’s perfect spot for anyone craving honest, well-sourced and always-delicious food that strives to master the bounty of Campania,” reads the Michelin review, which highlighted the restaurant’s spaghetti alle vongole and torta della nonna.
Hinoki & the Bird
10 W. Century Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90067
http://www.hinokiandthebird.com/
Most Angelenos may have never heard about Hinoki & the Bird, a modern Japanese restaurant tucked inside the Century Woods complex, but after reading the words of Michelin critics, this may change.
“Highlights include a tranche of pristine white sea bass in a complex duck broth, surrounded by gently wilted greens. A wonderful rendition of black pepper-crab rice foregoes authenticity by adding tart pickled eggplant for a lovely balance of salty, sweet and spicy flavors,” said the reviewer of this restaurant anchored by a long cedar bar and open kitchen.
Meizhou Dongpo
10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90001
When people think of fine-dining at Westfield Century City, Eataly may be the first thing to come to mind, not Meizhou Dongpo, a Sichuan restaurant ticked into the mall that earned a Michelin recommendation.
“Each dish is described and prepared with professionalism and care. Some, like the whole pork hock lodged in a sea of red chili oil, may be humble pleasures but are served with refinement, as the server pulls the tender flesh from the bone tableside for the guests,” reads the review, which also highlighted Meizhou Dongpo’s dan dan noodles and fish filet.
