Update: Check out the blog to the left FOOD FASHIONISTA, she has two spectacular reviews of the restaurant and opening soiree, with tons of descriptions and photos.
Yesterday was the 'by invitation only' opening of my brothers new restaurant in Los Angeles, XIV (14 in Roman Numerals), Steve is the Executive Chef, under owner and celebrity chef Michael Mina (this is his 14th restaurant, hence the name). It is a collaboration with SBE, which is a huge entertainment group, and Philippe Starck, who is a designer extraordinaire! The restaurants interior plays off of the XIV theme with a Louise the XIV, futurist feel. They have been working on this project for years, and Michael has had my brother in mind as the head chef since its inception. He knew that someone with that kind of ego could only fit right in in the Hollywood scene. So here goes the hope that my brother doesn't show up on trashy celeb shows like TMZ, or end up hooking up with someone on The Hills!! To say I am not so proud of him would be a huge understatement. I have a series of posts in the works that chronicle his journey up the ranks in the realm of chefhood. He has put in his time. He has also seen his fare share of celebrities and cooked for the likes of Trump, Prince Harry, Martha Stewart, and Snoop Dogg to name a few. But I will give more details later. This post is all about his latest venue. Tomorrow is the grand opening to the public, and as of today, they were over booked, and the reservations were filling up fast through the end of the year! Last night was all about the Wow factor, but the true test will be from those with a more selective palate. Steve has spent countless hours coming up with new and innovative food ideas to knock the socks off even the most snooty of food critics ie, Michael Bauer, for all of those that read the SF Chronicle! It truly is an art form, and I marvel every time I see or taste his food. Here is a photo recap of the star studded event. The majority of the celebs were from Dancing with the Stars, and The Hills, which airs on MTV, super diva Cher also made an appearance. Steve, I know you don't have time to read my daily ramblings, but if you ever do, we are so proud of you. All of your hard work has finally paid off, and you are finally reaping those rewards! Not that the huge paycheck isn't bad either, but now you will get the press you deserve. Thanks Michael for taking a chance on my little bro, he will not let you down.
The front of the restaurant.
Celebrity Chef Michael Mina
The red carpet and press lineup.
The team: Philippe Starck-Designer, Sam Nazarian of SBE/Owner, Michael Mina-Chef.
Audrina Patridge and Kim Kardashian.
Lance Bass and Toni Braxton.
Spencer Pratt, Kimberly Brandon, Heidi Montag and owner Sam Nazarian.
My brother Chef Fretz at the far right.
The interior.
Pumpkin Dumplings-Stewed Cherries, Brown Butter, Sage
Dungeness Crab En Feuille de Brik - Avocado Creme Fraiche, Yuzu
White Chocolate Cube, Orange Blossom Cream, Coriander, Pistachio, Sake
5 comments:
Whoa! That is some fancy stuff. Those dishes look so amazing and interesting. They put my Macaroni Grill, Penne Rustica, and fudge-filled squares to shame, but you know me, I like it all.
Congratulations to your brother on this big project.
Wow Kari...you really should have taken the weekend with girlfriends (including me) and gone to the opening!!!
Congratulations! Gorgeous photos, Gorgeous food (is the white chocolate cube filled with orange blossom cream and sake? and what is orange blossom cream?)
Becky
I still can't believe that your brother is the head chef at this place! It is amazing...we have got to go one day! I'm so glad I got to meet your brother when he came in town...it was so fun to hear the details of his cooking journey! How would it be to be a famous chef? I wouldn't know...but maybe its a man thing cuase Jared cooked me up one incredible steak tonight! Oh and Jared wanted me to add a comment on your SF post that said FIRED! Although he a is a looker I guess he's not much of a coach!
Wow, the food he made at our ward "Break the Fast" was divine, but he was holding out!! Where was the White Chocolate Cube at the BBQ?
I wish, I wish, I wish I could go there and see if he could wow my palate. I'm sure I'd drop dead at the aromas wafting from the kitchen.
Nice write up, Miss Writer! I can tell you love your bro! Probably almost as much as I love food!
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