Now fully open on Sunset Blvd. in cosmopolitan Sunset Plaza, Avenue 31 is a ‘Cali-Bistro’ occupying the space of the former Le Clafoutis Restaurant. A collaboration between Bice group, operators of restaurants in the US, Europe, South America, Asia and South Africa, and Avenue 31, Monte Carlo, Avenue 31 offers a menu of classic California Bistro dishes from Chef Gustavo Chavez, who has opened numerous restaurants for the group since 1999. The menu includes some familiar favorites, such as Beef Carpaccio with horseradish, Parmiggiano, black truffle arancini, and pickled radish; Fried Calamari, with coriander, jalapeño, pineapple and candied cashew, and Mediterranean classics like Spanish Octopus with cannelloni bean salad, watercress, and pine smoked olive mayo, or a cured Iberico de Bellotta board. Pizza lovers can choose from a Pissaladiere, with caramelized onion, white anchovy, oil-cured olive, pine nut and goat cheese; Caprese flatbread, with cherry tomato, fresh mozzarella and basil oil; Foraged Mushroom flatbread, with Taleggio, fresh Mozzarealla and white truffle oil. Highly shareable large plates include Butter Poached Lobster, with gnocchi, corn pudding, spinach, corn and watercress; Lamb Shank Tagine, with dried fruit, candied orange, pistachio, harissa yogurt and couscous; Pan roasted Mediterranean Sea Bass (for Two), with caramelized fennel, Meyer lemon and heirloom cherry tomatoes.
Pan Roasted Sea Bass
Spanish Octopus
Cocktails come via a program developed by ‘cocktail-chef’ sensation Matthew Biancaniello, who will also be ‘popping-up’ at the bar on Wednesday September 2nd and 9th, from 6pm to 11 pm. At Avenue 31 he’ll be featuring concoctions like a White Balsamic Negroni, made with Cap Rock gin, Dolin Blanc, Cap Rock Bitter, and White Peach Balsamic; Home Made Pimm’s Cup, with rhubarb, cucumber, mint and fresh ginger; Sherry & Tonic-Fino sherry, strawberries, dill, cornichons, feta, lime, Fever-tree tonic.
Sherry & Tonic
Home-Made Pimm’s Cup
The interior of Avenue 31 was created by design duo Berchtold Harris (www.berchtoldharris.com). The duo ripped out walls, installed a huge sleek white Cararra Marble bar, black gloss finished deep wood panelling reminiscent of a London town-house, and vintage brass and copper ship’s spotlights repurposed as pendant fixtures. The air is bright, light, airy and very sophisticated. Upholstered furniture is covered in urbane men’s suiting fabric with red stitch details, and a dark walnut floor anchors the white pained wooden chars and stools. In front a huge terrace for people watching is bound to become a Sunset Plaza destination, and at the rear of the restaurant an intimate lounge, reached through lacquered paneled doors leads to a ‘ perching balcony’ with views over the city.
Where: Avenue 31
8630 W. Sunset Blvd.,
W. Hollywood, CA 90069
T: 310.360.5983
www.avenue31sunset.com
