Pop-up Restaurant and Mixology Lounge Written Hand Becomes Permanent Eatery in Hollywood
The Food
The prawns are sourced from Hawaii and are massive, according to Chef Ashley Thompson. "They’re head on so all that flavor is packed in there," she said. They are served with smoked oranges with chermoula, which is the Mediterranean version of chimichurri. "The prawns just have that really sea, briny ocean flavor," Thompson said.
Grilled Tuna Collar
This is another big dish that serves about 6-8 people and comes with the fin attached and served with charred lemon. "It’s a fatty piece of tuna that’s marinated with harissa paste and it is absolutely gorgeous," she said. "It’s a fattier part of the tuna so you have this really intense and fresh tuna flavor," Thompson said.
Braised Lamb Neck
This is a dish not found at a lot of places and that’s why the chef recommends it as one of the restaurant’s must-have orders. "It’s a really exciting offering. You see a lot of shanks, lamb racks but what about the neck? I like to use things that are maybe not going to get used or turned into something else," Thompson said. It’s served on the bone and braised in pomegranate juice and red wine and plated with toasted fregola root vegetables.
Probably the World’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookie
Yes, that is the actual name of this half-pound chocolate chip cookie. It’s made with European butter, walnuts, and sea salt and served with a vanilla bean malt infused with house-made ice cream.
The Drinks
The Dittany Honey Sour
This is one of the newest drinks on the menu and its base is a Greek brandy called Metaxa. The cocktail mix includes clover honey, lemon juice, and dittany, which is an herb that grows in the Greek isle of Crete. The mix gives it herbaceous notes that are balanced and smooth, according to mixologist Naomi Schimek.
Freezer Martini
With this drink, you get a choice of Astra Elion, a Greek vodka distilled with olives or Mahon Spanish gin. Added to the mix is dry vermouth and Vila Nova vinho verde, which is a Portuguese wine. The drink is served with herbed pickled onions on the side. "It’s a slightly herbaceous crisp flavor," Schimek said.
Cup of Courage
Don’t worry, you don’t have to be that brave to try this spiked cold-brew drink, you just have to be brave enough to have a carajillo, which is a popular coffee drink in Spain that inspired the restaurant’s version. This one is made pretty strong with 10-year-old Spanish brandy and Licor 43, a Spanish liqueur. Expect a strong vanilla and of course coffee flavor that will make a perfect after-meal drink.
Conclusion
Written Hand is now a permanent fixture at the Kimpton Everly Hotel, 1800 Argyle Ave., Los Angeles. For information, visit everbarla.com/written-hand.
FAQs
- What is the inspiration behind the menu at Written Hand?
The menu is inspired by California fresh ingredients, locally sourced and available at the farmers’ market. - What is the concept behind the cocktail menu?
The concept is to have drinks that balance and crisp, showcasing the food in the kitchen. - What is the unique aspect of the braised lamb neck dish?
The use of the neck of the lamb is unique, as it’s not commonly found on menus. It’s served on the bone and braised in pomegranate juice and red wine, making it a standout dish.
