Rare on Sunset - a Treasure from Victor Drai
By Michael Hepworth
Victor Drai’s RARE has now been open for a couple of months in Hollywood. Located on Sunset Boulevard, this new restaurant has a lot to offer both in the food department, as well as ambience and décor.
Victor Drai has been a pioneer in the night club scene in both Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and he has brought that vibe to his new restaurant which reminded me of a Russian restaurant, appropriately named Rasputin’s, that I used to frequent in London. The Parisian Art Deco adorning the walls adds to the overall style of the restaurant which has taken over the spot of BLT Steak House that was there for five years.
It is essentially a steak house with a French-style menu served by smartly clad waiters in a luxurious setting that is a significant boost for elegant dining. Thankfully there is not one television in the place, and the menu features prime-grade aged steaks from 7oz to 36oz and such other items as New Zealand Rack of Lamb, Steam Bouchet Mussels, Whole Range Free Chicken and Grilled Skuna Bay Salmon.
The chef he has chosen to front this very important venture is a young man from the Philippines named Patrick Florendo, who might just be the perfect choice for a restaurant as traditional, but also as innovative as this.
What I can personally vouch for is a starter of a Baby Beet Salad which was followed by the Scallops on a bed of risotto. I did also have an opportunity to taste the Lamb Chops which were good enough to look forward to trying again on my next visit, which will be very soon.
Victor Drai’s RARE has now been open for a couple of months in Hollywood. Located on Sunset Boulevard, this new restaurant has a lot to offer both in the food department, as well as ambience and décor.
Victor Drai has been a pioneer in the night club scene in both Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and he has brought that vibe to his new restaurant which reminded me of a Russian restaurant, appropriately named Rasputin’s, that I used to frequent in London. The Parisian Art Deco adorning the walls adds to the overall style of the restaurant which has taken over the spot of BLT Steak House that was there for five years.
It is essentially a steak house with a French-style menu served by smartly clad waiters in a luxurious setting that is a significant boost for elegant dining. Thankfully there is not one television in the place, and the menu features prime-grade aged steaks from 7oz to 36oz and such other items as New Zealand Rack of Lamb, Steam Bouchet Mussels, Whole Range Free Chicken and Grilled Skuna Bay Salmon.
The chef he has chosen to front this very important venture is a young man from the Philippines named Patrick Florendo, who might just be the perfect choice for a restaurant as traditional, but also as innovative as this.
What I can personally vouch for is a starter of a Baby Beet Salad which was followed by the Scallops on a bed of risotto. I did also have an opportunity to taste the Lamb Chops which were good enough to look forward to trying again on my next visit, which will be very soon.
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The desserts are a work of art here, and in particular the ‘Warm Chocolate Cake’ with vanilla bean ice cream and a candied orange. Already a favorite with the punters is ‘The Godiva Candy Bar,’ featuring three layers consisting of chewy caramel, a
Godiva mousse and a crunchy peanut butter. There are a total of 220 seats split between the main restaurant, private dining room, lounge and patio overlooking Sunset Boulevard and the bar area. The bar is a great place to hang out and the impressive cocktail menu is spearheaded by Chris Hewes and features a list of classics plus selected creative drinks. This is absolutely a great place to gather with 33 seats, a DJ and access to the patio. One drink to try is the ‘Interview with the Vampire,’ a potent and spicy combination of Organic vodka, Arbol, chili infused St.Germain, berries and jalapeno. Also interesting is the ‘Scarlet Liaison,’ a combination of London Dry Gin, blood orange, persimmons and mint. www.drais.net/rare |
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