Molecular Gastronomy at The Bazaar by Jose Andres at SLS
2008 was a truly amazing year for all of us here at Food Fashionista and for that, I am blessed and truly grateful. Wow… and only 5 days into 2009 and I already know that it is slated to be one of the best years if not the best ever! With that said, what better way to bid farewell to 2008 and welcome in 2009 with a special open menu from protege of El Bulli’s Ferran Adria himself, Jose’ Andres at his recently opened restaurant The Bazaar at SLS Hotel.
I dined here when it first opened back in November and have since been back for drinks and bites with friends at Bar Centro and the Patisserie. Chef Jose’ Andres’ Bazaar is designed by Philippe Starck and is located in the entrance level of SBE‘s most recent creation, the SLS Hotel. What makes this restaurant so fun and unique is the design and concept of the four separate areas which make up The Bazaar.
Rojo at The Bazaar by Jose Andres at SLS Hotel
Upon entering SLS, there is Bar Centro which is an open lounge area where you can enjoy a cocktail from their molecular mixologists or items from a raw bar or caviar menu. For dining, there are the two contrasting Rojo y Blanco dining spaces which are designed with the Rojo being a more traditional Spanish style tapas area and the Blanco room a more seductive and modern space with an attached outdoor terrace perfect for more intimate conversation. Next to Bar Centro is the ethereal Patisserie which is a sophisticated version of Willy Wonka’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with it’s delicately plated glass encased bites of sweets and desserts in front of an open dessert kitchen. The wonderful part of dining at The Bazaar, is that you have the option of enjoying your entire meal in one of the Rojo or Blanco rooms, or you can deviate in to the Patisserie to enjoy your dessert or Bar Centro for a pre dinner or after dinner drink. All this is possible while continuing on with the same server and the same bill. No worrying about having to close a check here before you go there… at The Bazaar.
The dishes at The Bazaar are meant to be shared and the Rojo y Blanco menus offer both traditional style offerings and more adventurous molecular gastronomic focused tapas style dishes. Some of my favorite dishes on the Rojo menu include the Seared Piquillo Peppers stuffed with Goat Cheese, the “Croquetas” – Chicken and Bechamel Fritters, the Sauteed Shrimp with garlic ajillo and guindilla pepper and the King Crab with Rasberry Vinegar. I also couldn’t stop eating the Catalan bread with fresh tomatoes and Manchego cheese. Some favored dishes on the Blanco menu included the Organized Caesar Salad with quail eggs and parmesan cheese, and the Brussel Sprout Salad with lemon puree, apricot preserves, and lemon air.
Dining in Rojo at The Bazaar by Jose Andres
The Bazaar is such a unique dining experience and that is why I chose to come back once again and share the experience with friends for our New Year’s Eve celebration. Chef Jose Andres himself was busy working his magic in the kitchen and also enjoying his first meal of 2009 that evening at The Bazaar.
Caricature Drawing at Rojo at The Bazaar at SLS Hotel
Bar Centro decor at The Bazaar by Jose Andres at SLS
at Moss Boutique at The Bazaar by Jose Andres at SLS
There are so many delightful twists and turns at The Bazaar and you never know what you will venture upon around the corner. In addition to Rojo y Blanco, Bar Centro and the Patisserie satisfying the taste buds, you will also be able to indulge your appetite for shopping at the acclaimed free floating boutique Moss which is intertwined within The Bazaar’s Bar Centro and Patisserie. For those looking for a more bizarre “bazaar” experience, you will find a caricature artist who will draw your likeness in the Rojo room, and a fortune teller in a slightly hidden spot at Bar Centro. Now that’s something you don’t find in many James Beard Award winning chef’s restaurants, do you?! If you want to feed your fix for an explosion of creativity in food, design, and shopping, visit The Bazaar by Jose Andres at the SLS Hotel.
Open Daily at 3 PM
at the SLS Hotel Beverly Hills
465 S. La Cienega Blvd
310- 246 – 5555
This place looks incredible. I live in Manhattan and the next time I am in Los Angeles, I am going to visit this place.
the food looks so beautiful. gotta go here soon.
That’s one giant scallop. You’re making me so hungry.
Mika, you always eat at the BEST places! It’s just not fair! ;)…No but really Thanks for sharing all these great places with us.
Excellent write up Mika. What a fun looking place. I dined at Chef Andres Mini Bar back in DC and enjoyed it. This looks like a much different concept for him, but so far i’m liking what i see.