dineLA’s Restaurant Week Picks by Jonathan Grahm of Compartés
Updated on November 18, 2014
Jonathan Grahm is one of the youngest and most prolific artisan chocolatiers in the country. He's been making chocolate since he was 14, and is known for his 200+ handmade varieties of gourmet organic chocolates, Love Nuts and chocolate bars made from scratch at his Los Angeles-based artisanal chocolate company, Compartés Chocolatier. Jonathan's unique revision of Compartés, an LA chocolate tradition since 1950, has garnered a worldwide reputation. His ornate patterned truffles and confections, made with ingredients sourced from local farmers markets around the city, represent LA with a vibrant mix of art, design, culture, fashion, food, and of course chocolate. Jonathan was recently named one of Forbes magazine’s 30 Under 30, and his chocolates were named one of Oprah's Favorite Things 2013, as well as featured in Bon Appetit, Los Angeles Times, Vogue, Glamour, W, and more.
As a native Angeleno, Jonathan is very excited about the new and exciting changes and additions to LA's thriving dining scene. Following are some of Jonathan’s top picks from dineLA’s Restaurant Week.
Akasha is one of my favorite spots in the city for fresh, healthy fare that tastes just as good as it sounds when you read the menu descriptions. The quinoa with roasted market vegetables is delicious and healthy, yet still tastes so good, especially with a piece of fresh grilled salmon on top. The avocado salad with its little crunchy bits is also amazing, as is the grilled Little Gem lettuce salad with the meyer lemon. If there is a pie on the menu, it’s a must have for me. I have the biggest sweet tooth of anyone I know, I can eat dessert any time - and pretty much do - and their pies are not to be missed. Honestly, I love chef Akasha and the fact that she's been cooking this type of food in a healthy way before it was cool to do so. Also, the dining room is very nice - chic and modern, but comfortable and not frilly at the same time. Great place for a business meeting, dinner, all the way to a date night.
Love going for an early dinner or a weekend meal at BP Oysterette. The interior is very fresh, crisp and clean, with a nice ocean beachy vibe yet still chic and stylish. The lobster roll might be my favorite version I've experienced in LA. I can't say how it rates against its East Coast competitors, but I will say that this lobster roll was extremely delicious, served on a buttered brioche roll (what’s better than buttered brioche, pretty much nothing besides Compartes chocolates, right?), and done the right way. They have a really nice oyster app, as well as lots of delicious seafood dishes. In a city like LA that’s so close to the ocean, with such an abundance of fresh seafood at our doorstep, I think BP Oysterette is definitely a must try! In fact, writing this right now makes me wish I was eating the lobster roll at this very moment. I might see you there this dineLA week - it’s on their special Restaurant Week menu and a good bargain for all you get!
First thing about Cafe Pinot is the incredible setting. With the historic Central Library building as the background and their "secret garden," it’s a beautiful spot and one of my favorite places to grab a meal, where I feel like I'm tucked away in a hidden spot. Plus you get gorgeous views of Downtown LA's skyscrapers. Sitting outside in the garden area having lunch is such a beautiful way to spend an afternoon, and at night it’s super romantic. I also like their ever-changing menu, especially their special fish dishes. There is always a decadent fish dish and it’s always my go-to choice. Also, for lunch I love their simple grilled options, which are healthy, light and super affordable. I’m so fond of Cafe Pinot I’m collaborating with them for a Valentine’s Day event, where they’ll be serving special courses paired with special versions of my Compartes chocolates that are themed to different classic love stories.
NIGHT + MARKET WeHo
I love everything about this Thai restaurant. Night + Market is nestled on the Sunset Strip at Doheny, smack dab in the middle of the city, which is easy for meeting just about anyone at any time. From the laid back vibe of the dining room with its communal seating, to the projector on the walls and the fact you have to walk through another restaurant (its sister restaurant Talesai) just to find Night + Market, it is definitely a great experience eating there. Chef Kris is known for his takes on traditional Thai street food - everything is delicious, spicy and authentically Thai. No matter what else I order, I always get several orders of the coconut rice. The creamy sweetness of the coconut and the stickiness of the rice is such a great combination. It’s so dense and delicious - almost like a patty - I can eat that rice plain by itself non-stop, it’s just so good. The pad thai is one of the best variations I’ve ever had, perfectly balanced tang and sweetness. It’s different than most if not all Thai restaurants in LA, definitely a much more authentic version. And I always have to get some kind of larb dish. Also love their drink menu, the beer options, and of course just the vibe and atmosphere, it’s a fun evening all around! Go there with friends, order many dishes, lots of coconut rice, lots of beer, and leave very, very happy.
9041 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069//} ?>
Full disclosure: Scott Conant is my homeboy, Scarpetta Los Angeles is his first and only LA restaurant, and it's oh-so-good. Scott is ridiculously talented at making Italian food sing, one of the best chefs I know, and an all-around nice and great guy, so I’ve got to show him major love! He makes what I would say is some of the best - if not the best - Italian food in LA. I’ve eaten at Scarpetta several times and eaten Scott’s food on many occasions, so I can say we are very lucky to have Scarpetta here in LA, and it’s a great treat to be able to experience it as part of dineLA. The creamy polenta with truffled mushrooms was one of the best Italian dishes I’ve ever eaten - I’m surprised I haven't asked Scott to come over to my house and cook it himself in exchange for chocolate. I can't stop raving about it, and it’s part of the Restaurant Week menu, so you guys are lucky. The pasta dishes are superb - ravioli, agnolotti, whatever it is, get it. Even what you might think is the most simple dish, like a spaghetti pomodoro with basil and tomato, becomes special and different at Scarpetta. Trust me, this might be the best bowl of pasta you have in your life - go for it, seriously.