Nine Thirty Restaurant at the Plush “W Hotel” in West LA (10/05)
The dramatic entry way to the W Hotel is spectacular. As you walk in, you are greeted in the front by a giant screen loop nature video as you approach the hostess stand of the restaurant. You have to pass the famous main bar which is quite a seen later in the evenings. New Executive Chef, Jack Yoss, has kept some items on the menu but definitely brought in his share of creativity. This establishment is not only great quality food but a place to be seen. Start with such appetizers as:
Sweet Corn Bisque with fresh crab; TenderTiger Shrimp grilled to perfection were my favorite starter; Mussels which were a special treat in a Thai coconut curry – the exact perfection of the mussels on how they were cooked to the delicate butterly lightness as they finished in your mouth were among one of the best dished we have ever eaten! ; Oysters on the half shell are one of the favorites along with the Scallops were a good marriage of flavors that were seared and made with brown butter and truffle oil. Lastly, the Heirloom Tomato salad w/ barrata was a good balance with fresh Mozzarella, arugula and 25 year aged balsamic.
The main courses were just delicious.
The Short Ribs were a high winner. They were cooked perfectly and didn’t taste grizzly! Most of the time the short rib will be tender off the bone but taste fatty or grizzly, these were beyond tender and clean tasting! Portions were excellent too! Not too much bone and mostly meat
The
The Pan Roasted Alaskan Halibut with lemon gnocchi that was very fresh and my personal favorite. It was very moist and prepared perfectly
The Crispy Duck Leg looked very interesting with red wine vinegar and an orange glaze topping.
Some fantastic desserts finished out the night.
On your next stop to LA or if you plan to stay at the beautiful "W Hotel", make your reservations at
right outside the heart of Westwood, Ca. More info at www.ninethirtyw.com