There are those places. Places that you should have been, places you can’t believe you haven’t been, places that when you admit you haven’t visited, the common response is “Really,” with a slack jawed mouth agape. Drai’s Hollywood, was one of those places for me. Until a few days ago when I received an invitation from Jennifer Gross and emgpr, to have a cozy dinner with a bunch of pals at the notorious Hollywood hot spot. Naturally, I jumped at the invite. And let me tell you, Drai’s has more than earned its rock star rep.
Literally located in the heart of Hollywood, Drai’s is a 20,000 square foot cultural compound on the top of the W Hotel that features a lounge, restaurant, back bar, cabana’s and oh, a pool (wait 30 minutes after eating before jumping in). With awe-inspiring views of LA, from downtown to Century City, the sights are something to behold. As is Drai’s décor, which features a Moulin-Roufe-meets-Morrocan theme with silver, gold and brown snakeskin embossed couches, gold mirror tiles, a fire pit and white cabanas with white iron lanterns.
I arrived at the dinner and settled in next to Greg Henry, who pens the witty as well as informative food blog, Sippity Sup. Although, I would have had trouble navigating the menu, simply due to all the delectable dishes of upscale bistro favorites, I didn’t have to wrack my brain to make a decision We ordered everything for the table to sample family-style. I suggest the lobster ravioli—saying that it didn’t disappoint would be an understatement—but the piece de resistance, in my opinion, was the beet salad. One of the benefits of living in a state that can grow both apples and oranges, is the farm-fresh produce and these beets, in golden and ruby hues were perfectly accented with a spot of creamy goat cheese and a light vinaigrette. It’s always to good to go to place that understands opulence and at the same time gets that sometimes, it’s the simple pleasures in life, such as a beet so sweet, it tastes like candy, that makes the trip worthwhile.
6250 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028 323.962.1111
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