2011 RESTAURANT GUIDE
photos courtesy of Checkers Downtown
photo courtesy of Checkers Downtown
Checkers Downtown
Checkers Downtown Bar
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otel bars don’t usually evoke a sense of cool. But surprising new things are shaking at the Checkers Hotel bar and lounge. Located just off of the lobby, this chic, modern space has gone old-school in the best sense possible. The CheckersDowntown Bar channels a bit of 1940s and ’50s glamour and style, with clubby wood walls, sleek leather bar stools, and appropriately sultry lighting. The expert mixologists have also whipped up a drink menu with many of the classic, handmade libations of a bygone era, as well as a few modern creations using the best seasonal ingredients and liquor available. There’s the Aviation (1916) with Hendrick’s gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette and freshly squeezed lemon juice, the Prohibition (1930) with Martin Miller’s gin, Lillet Blanc, apricot brandy and fresh orange juice, or the expertly made Manhattan with Rittenhouse Rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters. Food plays a key role in the bar menu as well. Patrons can order from the hotel’s excellent Cal-French inspired cuisine, or try several selected pairings. Executive Chef David Baker has designed a small plates menu for the bar — items include seared fois gras on a peanut butter, jelly and banana sandwich or the flavor-packed Colorado meatballs with rigatoni. If it’s a mellow glass of wine you seek, there’s also an extensive list from which to choose. Sports fans and news junkies can also get their fix via several 50-inch televisions throughout the lounge. Whatever your pleasure, CheckersDowntown Bar is a destination unto itself. At 535 S. Grand Ave., (213) 624-0000 or checkersdowntown.com. Open daily 4-11 p.m. Cuisine: California/French
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his historic hotel on Grand Avenue is known for its elegance and charm. And after a recent renovation from top to bottom, its restaurant, Checkers Downtown, has gained equal acclaim for its top-notch dining experience. The interior features a contemporary palette of soft white, taupe and dark wood accents with a touch of vintage style — black and white photos of Los Angeles throughout the decades adorn the walls. The restaurant recruited talented Executive Chef David Baker to create a menu based on California cuisine with a touch of French influence. The kitchen uses the best seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, and each dish is a culinary adventure from start to finish. Lunch brings a number of elegant yet filling salads, such as the grilled flatiron steak with caramelized shallots and gremolata atop a bed of baby greens. There are several gourmet baked flatbreads too, including the margherita, the artichoke and ricotta, and the chorizo and olive. Of course, every good restaurant worth its salt offers a signature burger, and this one is an exceptional version with wild arugula, cave-aged cheddar and bacon aioli. Checkers’ interpretation of fish and chips is sinfully delicious, with Guinness beer-battered halibut and garlic parmesan French fries. Don’t miss the prix-fixe menu for $25, which comes with three filling courses.
A dinnertime standout is the harissa-rubbed Alaskan halibut with braised cipollini onions, fennel, smoked tomato and delicate saffron broth. Likewise, the pan-roasted Sonoma duck breast is expertly prepared with flavorful chanterelle mushrooms, spinach and Mission figs in port wine. Meat eaters will love the tender braised short rib “pot pie” layered with wild mushrooms, celery root puree and baby root vegetables. For those who want to grab a bite after work, be sure to check out the restaurant’s weekday Rush Hour menu served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Avoid the traffic while you dine on four elegant courses for $44. Three full-glass wine pairings are available at either $28 for Premium or $35 for Sommelier’s selection. If you want to make your dining experience extra special, try the chef’s tasting menu, a seasonally changing five-course meal for $70 per person. Checkers also offers all the classic and gourmet breakfast options you could ask for, as well as memorable weekend brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For a pre- or post-dinner cocktail, visit the CheckersDowntown Bar, where expert mixologists whip up old-school classic cocktails with flair. At 535 S. Grand Ave., (213) 624-0000 or checkersdowntown.com. Open weekdays 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m., weekends 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Cuisine: California/French $$
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