Introduction to Prose Kitchen + Bar
Anchored by California ingredients and inspired by global cuisines, a veteran chef just opened his first restaurant in Woodland Hills where his menu will offer foods from all over the world served side by side.
“So you might come across a dish on the menu that’s inspired from Japan alongside a dish that has Mexican flavors alongside a dish with African flavors but it all comes together in a cohesive way,” said Chef David Gussin, who opened Prose Kitchen + Bar at 21150 Ventura Blvd., on March 2.
Chef David Gussin opened Prose Kitchen + Bar at 21150 Ventura Blvd., on March 2. (Photo courtesy Prose Kitchen + Bar)
Chef David Gussin’s Background
In his more than two-decade long career Gussin has helmed the kitchens at prestigious Los Angeles restaurants like STK Steakhouse, Fig & Olive and Cleo. He also founded the Food First Events catering company before finally making the leap to his first brick and mortar spot.
“It’s because I’m crazy,” he said with a laugh. “There’s never a good time to open a business so you just have to go for it. People will dine out and they always need to eat and if I do it right they’ll continue to come back,” Gussin said.
Restaurant Features
The upscale restaurant features a 60-seat dining room with an interior that includes caramel-colored ostrich leather booths and there’s also a 30-seat patio. The menu of course will be the highlight with dishes intricately plated to make them Instagram worthy.
Chef David Gussin opened Prose Kitchen + Bar at 21150 Ventura Blvd., on March 2. (Photo courtesy Prose Kitchen + Bar)
Menu Highlights
“We try to have fun with the presentations,” Gussin said. “We’re trying to make food very pretty. It helps having great ingredients and at the end of the day we know people also eat with their eyes before they eat with their stomachs and mouths so we have to make sure the food looks great,” he added.
Among the highlights at the new restaurant is the Black Garlic Charred Octopus, which is slow braised and then, as Gussin describes it, “it’s kissed by the fire” then glazed with a black garlic barbecue sauce with Asian flavors added by the use of ginger, hoisin and soy sauces and a Peruvian aji amarillo sauce.
“It’s rich, and sweet and it’s earthy and the octopus is really tender,” he said.
Another interesting fusion dish is the “Tokyo Style” Beef Carpaccio, which is made with thinly sliced filet mignon and glazed in a high-end Japanese soy sauce mixed with a yuzu kosho aioli and other Japanese ingredients.
“Everything on there takes you to Japan,” Gussin said.
For a trip to Italy diners will want to try his unique pastas like his Braised Short Rib Rolled Lasagna.
“We wanted to bring a unique aspect to it and elevate the dish a bit. Everyone does ground beef or sausage,” he said. “Most lasagnas are really dense and heavy and rich. This lasagna is light, it melts in your mouth. The meat is very tender and shreds apart and falls apart,” Gussin said.
Drinks
Gussin is still waiting for a full liquor license for now when it comes to drinks it’s beer and wine only with a selection of mocktails as well.
Conclusion
Prose Kitchen + Bar is a unique dining experience that offers a wide range of global flavors in a cohesive and beautifully presented way. With its upscale atmosphere and expertly crafted dishes, it is sure to become a favorite among foodies in the Woodland Hills area. For more information, visit Prose Kitchen + Bar at 21150 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills. 818-914-4033 or eatatprose.com
Originally Published: March 18, 2025 at 9:45 AM PDT
FAQs
Q: What type of cuisine does Prose Kitchen + Bar offer?
A: Prose Kitchen + Bar offers a globally inspired menu with dishes from around the world, including Japan, Mexico, Africa, and Italy.
Q: What is the atmosphere like at Prose Kitchen + Bar?
A: The restaurant features a 60-seat dining room with caramel-colored ostrich leather booths and a 30-seat patio, creating an upscale and intimate atmosphere.
Q: What are some of the menu highlights at Prose Kitchen + Bar?
A: Some of the menu highlights include the Black Garlic Charred Octopus, “Tokyo Style” Beef Carpaccio, and Braised Short Rib Rolled Lasagna.
Q: Does Prose Kitchen + Bar serve drinks?
A: Yes, Prose Kitchen + Bar currently serves beer and wine, as well as a selection of mocktails. A full liquor license is pending.
