Andaz West Hollywood is pleased to welcome Justin Taylor as its new Executive Chef. With more than a decade of experience, as well as a natural passion for music and art, Taylor introduces a vibrant and playful culinary direction while personally meshing with the artistic and legendary Sunset Strip hotel. The hotel has also revamped its cocktail menu to complement Chef Justin’s dishes.
Taylor, a New Jersey native, discovered his culinary passion at an early age when he saw the original “Iron Chef” – the famed Japanese culinary competition – on television. A young guitar player and artist, he was instantly inspired by the creativity of cooking, and it was then that he decided to pursue it as a career.
Taylor’s first foray into the culinary world was at local restaurant assisting with brunch service – organizing pastries, cooking bacon, and learning how to make desserts. A year later, Taylor enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). During his time there he worked at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in London, and, upon graduation, went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Management from CIA.
Taylor spent several years in catering as well as at various restaurants in Boston and Nantucket, where he gained an appreciation for fresh, farm-to-table cuisine. In 2011, Taylor moved to New York City to work at the Mandarin Oriental hotel. Most recently, he helmed the kitchen at Andaz 5th Avenue.
During his first few weeks at Andaz West Hollywood, Taylor has channeled his creative energy, love of music, and personal cooking style of clean, bright flavors to craft a new dinner menu for Riot House Restaurant. Taking cues from the hotel’s musical roots, Taylor’s menu features whimsical dishes that also capture the seasonality of California cuisine.
“It’s such an exciting time in my career as I begin this new West Coast venture with Andaz West Hollywood,” says Taylor. “I grew up listening to the legendary artists who have roamed the halls of this iconic hotel, so to be able to marry my personal passions of music and great food is an amazing opportunity.”
Dinner highlights include “Small Bites” such as Blistered Peppers with aioli and sea salt; Roasted Cauliflower Hummus with herb oil and pita; and Mahi Mahi Tacos with green papaya and chipotle aioli; “Starters” including Buratta with apricot, quinoa, and basil; Yellowtail Poke with avocado, radish, and ginger; and Squash and Fig Flat Bread with toasted hazelnuts and goat cheese; “Entrées” such as Lacquered Chicken with charred butternut squash and Brussels sprouts, rainbow chard, and pimento d’espelette; Farmer’s Risotto with seasonal vegetables, black garlic, mascarpone, and toasted fusilli bread; and Slow-Roasted Scottish Salmon with Riesling and green apple, braised lentils, and frisée; and “Desserts” including Cheesecake Brulee with streusel and berries; Serious Dark Chocolate with warm cake, coffee, and raspberry; and Seasonal Ice Creams in pumpkin, salted caramel, and dark chocolate.
Taylor is currently working on breakfast, lunch, and brunch menus that will debut later this fall.
In addition to Taylor’s new dishes, Riot House Restaurant has created brand-new cocktails featuring fresh flavor combinations and clever names that pay homage to the hotel’s storied history. Highlights include Aloe from the Other Side with cachaça rum, aloe vera, lime juice, ginger syrup, cucumber, and club soda; Mahn-go VanGogh with reposado tequila, aperol, lime juice, mango sorbet, basil, and cayenne pepper; and Every Rosé Has its Thorn with rosé, St. Germain, ginger liquor, lemon juice, and rosemary.
For more information or to book at Andaz West Hollywood, please visit www.andazwesthollywood.com.
About Andaz West Hollywood
Andaz West Hollywood is Los Angeles’ iconic Rock ‘N’ Roll hotel located on the famous Sunset Strip in West Hollywood where musical history, celebrity, and style come together. Formerly known as the Riot House, this property – then called Continental Hyatt House and later the Hyatt on Sunset – served as the home of some of Rock ‘N’ Roll’s most memorable tales by being the choice hotel for rock legends including Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Duran Duran, The Doors, and more. Rebranded as an Andaz – Hyatt’s lifestyle collection - in 2009, the stylish hotel is more alluring and artful as ever, featuring 239 guest rooms, including 20 suites, and spectacular views of the Hollywood Hills on one side and the Sunset Strip and Downtown Los Angeles on the other. The Andaz West Hollywood also offers professional party and event planning, weekly rooftop music and entertainment, and fitness programs such as the one-hour “Yoga with a View” class set against the panoramic views of the city. Inspired event venues – including the highest rooftop pool in Los Angeles – acclaimed Riot House restaurant, and glamorous cocktail parties known as salon events further make this chic West Hollywood hotel a must-visit destination.
