Here’s Looking at You: A Culinary Oasis in west Hollywood
In the heart of west Hollywood, Here’s Looking at You (HLAY) has become a sanctuary for food lovers seeking a mood shift, a casual celebration, or simply a taste of aspiring cooking. On a recent evening,a friend and I found ourselves in need of salvaging a lackluster dinner at a nearby clubby restaurant. “Let’s head to Here’s Looking at You for a cocktail and a burger,” I suggested. Little did we know,the night was about to take a delicious turn.
HLAY’s late happy hour menu, available at the bar from 8:30 to 10 p.m., is a treasure trove of culinary delights. The kitchen serves up thick,dry-aged cheeseburgers adorned wiht peppery mayo and the sweet sting of fried onions. During our visit, we discovered a new addition to the menu: steak frites featuring a sirloin cap (also known as a baseball cut) smeared with pink fermented radish butter, accompanied by curly fries.Both dishes were nothing short of stellar.
The creativity extends to the bar, where director Danny Rubenstein has crafted a wild cocktail named Jolene. This concoction,based on corn whiskey and avocado-washed mezcal,is a nod to Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter. It’s the kind of drink that leaves a lasting impression, much like the restaurant itself.
HLAY’s charm lies in its ability to meet diners exactly where they are.Whether you’re in need of a mood shift, out for a casual celebration, or simply craving ambitious cooking with hip-hop as the backdrop, this restaurant delivers. Owner Lien Ta ensures the dining room, with its abstractly Midcentury Modern vibe, remains welcoming and convivial.
The culinary genius behind HLAY’s concise menu was founding chef Jonathan Whitener. Whitener,who tragically passed away in February,had a knack for taking the cuisines that live in the minds of food-loving Angelenos and grafting them onto a single menu. From frog’s legs splattered with salsa negra to a chopped broccoli salad featuring pickled ginger, seeds, and nuts, Whitener’s creations were both bold and unerring.
Even in his absence, HLAY continues to thrive. When the room is full, and diners are swiping signature shishitos through creamy tonnato as the burgers start rolling out, the restaurant feels like it will always be a part of our lives. And for many, that’s a hope worth holding onto.
| Highlights of HLAY |
|————————|
| Late Happy Hour | 8:30–10 p.m. |
| Signature Dishes | Dry-aged cheeseburgers, steak frites |
| Cocktail | Jolene (corn whiskey, avocado-washed mezcal) |
| Ambiance | Midcentury Modern, hip-hop soundtrack |
| Legacy | Founded by chef Jonathan Whitener |
HLAY is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary experience that resonates deeply with its patrons. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor,the warmth,creativity,and flavor of Here’s Looking at You are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Exploring the Culinary Excellence of HLAY: A Conversation wiht Expert Elena Martinez
Table of Contents
In the heart of West Hollywood, Here’s Looking at You (HLAY) has carved out a niche as a culinary oasis, blending creative dishes, innovative cocktails, and a welcoming ambiance.To delve deeper into what makes HLAY a standout dining destination, we sat down with Elena Martinez, a food journalist and expert in contemporary American cuisine.
Editor: Elena, HLAY’s menu is known for its creativity and bold flavors. Can you tell us more about the standout dishes that define the restaurant?
Elena Martinez: Absolutely. HLAY’s menu is a testament to its founding chef, Jonathan Whitener, who had an unbelievable ability to fuse diverse culinary traditions into a cohesive experience. One of the most talked-about dishes is the steak frites, featuring a sirloin cap, or baseball cut, smeared with pink fermented radish butter. The tangy, umami-rich butter pairs beautifully with the steak, and the curly fries add a playful touch. Another favorite is the dry-aged cheeseburger, which is elevated with peppery mayo and crispy fried onions. These dishes highlight the restaurant’s commitment to reimagining classic comfort food.
the Role of Cocktails in enhancing the Dining Experience
Editor: The bar at HLAY seems just as innovative as the kitchen. What can you tell us about their signature cocktail, Jolene?
Elena Martinez: The bar program at HLAY, led by Danny Rubenstein, is truly extraordinary. The Jolene cocktail is a perfect example of this creativity. It combines corn whiskey and avocado-washed mezcal, creating a drink that’s both smoky and creamy. The cocktail is a nod to Beyoncé’s Cowboy carter era, and it’s as memorable as the music that inspired it. it’s the kind of drink that complements the bold flavors of the food and leaves a lasting impression on guests.
Creating the Perfect Ambiance
Editor: HLAY is known not just for its food and drinks, but also for its ambiance. How does the restaurant’s design and atmosphere enhance the overall dining experience?
Elena Martinez: HLAY’s ambiance is a key part of its charm. The dining room has an abstractly Midcentury Modern vibe,with warm,inviting tones and eclectic decor. Owner Lien Ta has done an excellent job of creating a space that feels both stylish and approachable. The hip-hop soundtrack adds another layer of personality, making it a place where diners can unwind and enjoy themselves. Weather you’re there for a casual party or a mood shift, the atmosphere makes you feel right at home.
honoring the Legacy of chef Jonathan Whitener
Editor: Chef Jonathan Whitener’s influence on HLAY is undeniable. How has the restaurant continued to honor his legacy since his passing?
Elena Martinez: Jonathan Whitener’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of HLAY. His vision for the menu—bringing together the diverse culinary traditions of Los Angeles—continues to inspire the kitchen. Dishes like frog’s legs with salsa negra and the chopped broccoli salad with pickled ginger, seeds, and nuts are a testament to his bold, yet precise, approach to cooking. Even in his absence, the team has stayed true to his beliefs, ensuring that every dish tells a story. The restaurant feels alive with his spirit, and that’s something that resonates with both regulars and first-time visitors.
The Enduring Impact of HLAY
Editor: Why do you think HLAY has such a lasting impact on its patrons?
Elena Martinez: HLAY is more then just a restaurant—it’s an experience. It’s a place where food, drink, and atmosphere come together to create something truly special. whether you’re swiping shishitos through creamy tonnato or sipping on a Jolene, there’s a sense of joy and discovery that stays with you. The restaurant’s ability to meet diners exactly where they are, whether they’re looking for a celebration or a simple meal, is what makes it so beloved. It’s a testament to the passion and creativity of everyone involved, from the kitchen to the bar to the dining room.
Conclusion
HLAY’s blend of innovative dishes, crafted cocktails, and a welcoming ambiance has solidified its place as a culinary gem in West Hollywood. As Elena Martinez highlighted, the restaurant’s ability to honor its roots while continually evolving is what makes it a truly unique dining destination. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, HLAY promises an unforgettable experience.
