From the top of Angeleno Hotel, at the northeast corner of N. Church Lane and Sunset Blvd., the view is spectacular. Looking northwest, the Getty towers above; Brentwood’s finest homes – and the ocean – lie to the west; looking east, one can see UCLA; and of course, the 405 stretches north and south.
Also at the top of the Angeleno sits its superbly festive and fancy restaurant, “WEST,†where the food and ambience are as varied and outstanding as the views.
Signature appetizers include a crispy egg that comes with bacon jam and arugula – and a braised pork dish complemented by crispy potatoes, apples and mustard. In addition to these, try the cheddar brulee (asparagus and pesto) and the diver scallop, which comes in a corn puree.
Main courses offer something for everyone. Seafood offerings include hali
but and a fun lobster macaroni dish; meat eaters will be pleased with the lamb, pork, beef, poached chicken and hanger steaks. Stuffed quail, duck and gnocchi round things out. Most Brentwood restaurants specialize in one cuisine; WEST covers the gamut – which makes it nice when dinner guests have different tastes.
A wonderful aspect of the menu is its “just picked†feature. Every day, Executive Chef Matthew Woolf goes out and scouts the local farmers’ markets in search of English peas, fava beans, corn, cherries, apricots and melons.
The menu changes with the seasons; as seasonal vegetables find their way to the table, main courses vary as well.
The wine list is as varied as the food; sparkling wines and champagne await those celebrating a special occasion; those who like whites will find a fine selection of Chardonnays, Reislings, Pinot Grigios and Sauvignon Blancs; and for red wine enthusiasts, there is a nice mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Cabernet.
There is so much to pick from that first-timers might be smart to try the “chef’s tasting menu,†which includes a rich sampling of fresh, seasonal and inventive nibbles.
It’s possible many Brentwoodians haven’t been to this little corner of our town in a while – or maybe we just drive by as we head home. WEST gives us plenty of new reasons to stop in. Come for the food, but enjoy the view.
WEST is located at the top of the Angeleno Hotel at 170 N. Church and Sunset, just west of the 405. For reservations, call 310-481-7878.
www.westrestaurantla.com
