While Hinoki & the Bird may sound like a campy 70’s sitcom, it is far from that. This exciting new restaurant from acclaimed chef and restauranteur David Myers, is LA’s newest gem. Myers- who was behind the late Michelin-rated Sona as well as Comme Ca- recently spent a significant amount of time traveling throughout Asia and along the Silk Road, where he was inspired to create this Asian-fusion concept based on his travels.
Hinoki, a fragrant Japanese cedar wood- and Myers obsession- artfully line the walls of this enchanting space whose sleek, warm, and sophisticated architecture comes from MAI Studio, the same firm that built the beloved Gjelina, in nearby Venice. Located on the ground level of the Robert A.M. Stern designed luxury condominium high-rise in Century City, you arrive rounding a circular driveway and enter through an unmarked door- at once experiencing the elegant yet cool ambiance which is more akin to New York, Europe, or Asia. There is a spacious outdoor patio- with a fireplace and heated cement floor- adjacent to the darkly lit main dining room, where the open kitchen and bar is in harmony with the buzz of dining agents and Hollywood-type, as these top power agencies are located across the street.
The outstanding and eclectic dishes- and my pick of the night, the hinoki-smoked black cod- definitely have Asian undertones, however…this being David Meyers stomping ground, the menu has California-cuisine all over it. The Japanese chef Kuniko Yagi- a Myers proteges, formerly of Sona, as well as a previous top chef contestant- along with cocktail mixologist Sam Ross, from NYC’s underground speakeasy Milk & Honey – have truly created the latest culinary happening in LA. Sure to be my new favorite spot, I am planning on returning soon…only the next time I’m there, I must figure out where that bird is. www.hinokiandthebird.com
