restaurant review

Parlor Hollywood: A Stylish Sports Bar


Posted on Sep 03, 2010 @ 03:12PM - Add a comment

The official start of football season is right around the corner and for Angelinos looking for a new watering hole, a new stylish sports bar has arrived: The Parlor Hollywood.

PHOTOS: See More Of The Parlor Hollywood

The official start of football season is right around the corner and for Angelinos looking for a new watering hole, a new stylish sports bar has arrived: The Parlor Hollywood.

PHOTOS: See More Of The Parlor Hollywood

The establishment is an offshoot of the original, still very popular Santa Monica location. However, creators Ike Pyun and Silas Gaither have taken their game up a notch with the new Melrose District location: the massive space has an array of venues (all dotted with multiple flat-screen TVs of course!) that range from a luxe living room feel, typical bar area, and an outdoor patio.

While there is always a steady stream of beer flowing (there are 20 varieties on tap and 30 different beers by the bottle), The Parlor distinguishes itself with a distinct, nightlife-ready sheen.

One part of the bar features dark wood paneling, tony leather couches lining the walls, dark wood coffee tables and various stylish chairs and ottomans. You can cheer for your team in full jersey and face paint regalia but at least  you can do it with some classy flair. It’s a sleek vibe that makes watching sports feel like an event worthy of slapping some heels on for (though flip flops are also welcomed!).

That new dimension to a sports bar might largely be due to co-owners Casey Keegan and Jim Saviano who are both nightlife veterans. Saviano is the former opening manager of Hyde Lounge. But not to worry sports fans, the place is still heavy on the TVs: there are over fifty around the place including 3 HD projection screens.

Now: on to the food.

The menu brings the best of the Santa Monica location with some new twists. The sliders (grab 4 for just $11) are delightful--- the Western (an onion ring, BBQ sauce, and American cheese) hits the spot and will keep you licking your fingers well after the food is gone!

For those looking to raise their culinary experience to a different level, The Parlor Hollywood also offers skirt steak with garlic parsley fries, blue cheese, and bacon butter as well as steamed black mussels with sake, lemongrass, ginger, chilies and grilled bread. There are also lamp chop lollipops and for those looking to watch their waistline, a simple sole with grilled asparagus.

Whether you are a die-hard fan or just their for the drinks and socializing, The Parlor Hollywood has something for everyone and does not disappoint!

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It's Your Destiny: CHI DYNASTY


Posted on Aug 16, 2010 @ 04:33PM - Add a comment

Until last Saturday night, we would lament that the last time we had a great Chinese meal was in New York's China Town. We won't have to go as far next time, since CHI DYNASTY opened in Studio City, California.

The first thing you'll notice is the beautiful décor, soaked in brilliant Chinese reds. When the sun goes down and the lights come up, you really get to experience the ambience which is relaxed, and luxurious.

Until last Saturday night, we would lament that the last time we had a great Chinese meal was in New York's China Town. We won't have to go as far next time, since CHI DYNASTY opened in Studio City, California.

The first thing you'll notice is the beautiful décor, soaked in brilliant Chinese reds. When the sun goes down and the lights come up, you really get to experience the ambience which is relaxed, and luxurious.

And the food matches the surroundings. Try the Chinese chicken Salad, which notes of ginger. It’s the best in L.A. and that's saying something! Also, make sure to get the spare ribs which are honey-glazed with a smokey bite. All dishes are cooked fresh so be patient. For example, the Dim Sum takes 15 minutes but is well worth the wait.

Everything is made with the best ingredients, and the sauces are light and perfectly balanced, Take the Orange chicken which is fresh and tangy, with none of that doughy taste. The only dish we weren't impressed with was the Sautéed Veggies which everyone at the table though were bland. We also all agreed we didn’t like the black resin chopsticks which were slippery.

There is a decent House Chardonnay and Cab for only $6, a steal in today’s market.

The food is comparable to most Westside Chinese dinner venues, but the food is twice as good. We would go back just for the Tea-soaked Duck alone.

As it's new – just open a week- we expect they'll correct the spotty service. Our server left us with menus; didn’t take our drink orders so we can to flag him down 10 minutes later. Give it a couple of weeks and we’ll be back.

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