ALICE
FRESH…SEASONAL…LOCALLY SOURCED

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of the Bomb Brunch at Alice Restaurant at 1 Hotel West Hollywood. But dinner there is equally as enjoyable.

Alice is the brain child of  H.Wood Group, whose other outposts include nightclub Bootsy Bellows and high-end supper club Mason in Santa Monica. At Alice, the menu offerings are ample and there’s even a marketplace up front for quick grab and go items and other assorted needs, plus a full bar and an outdoor, woodsy patio.

The space at Alice (nearly 2,800 square feet) was designed by John Sofio of Built, Inc. who is responsible for some of the city’s hottest spots. Daytime on the Alice patio feels like a wonderful escape, even though busy Sunset Boulevard is just feet away. And dinner is also relaxing with great city views.

A fantastic starter item is the Mussel & Fries, which offers a unique and delicious take on a favorite dish. This version is prepared with coconut, lemongrass, and ginger soft herbs and comes with sweet potato fries. It’s so flavorful.

Another solid item to share or start the night is the Beef Tartare with tomato, violet mustard, and smoked egg yolk. It’s a pleasing punch of protein.

If you’re looking for cocktails, I recommend the Hollywood tiki style drink made with Cruzan light rum, velvet falernum, cape gooseberry, lime, saline solution, and angostura bitters. Another winner is the Boyle Heights with Don Julio silver tequila, Vida mezcal, Domaine de Canton, and red beet.

For hearty entrees, I had to go with the Chicken Pot Pie, an absolute favorite of mine, however, this is actually a casserole and not a pie as there’s no crust on the bottom. Sorry, but I’m a stickler for a proper pie. And just like the mussels, this is also a different take on a tried and true classic entrée. This dish is prepared with fennel, le ratte potato, Chinese sausage, snap peas, carrots, and pearl onions. The sausage is a really nice touch and the crust is solid.

Another great option is the 22oz Porterhouse. Nuff said. It comes a la carte but what else do you need. You can order a side of fries or veggies but the steak by itself is a people pleaser.
If you save room for dessert, there’s Black Forest Cheesecake or Panna Cotta or sorbet if you want something light instead of heavy and decadent.

The setting at Alice is relaxed and that’s something that I really like about the place. I love getting lost in the leafy patio. It’s a terrific spot to indulge with a cocktail or meal. It’s a great getaway without getting away.

Alice is located at 8490 W. Sunset Blvd at 1 Hotel West Hollywood. Call 424-281-1870. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to close. Sunday hours are limited to 11 am to 5 pm.

Story By: Jose Martinez

Some Photography Courtesy Of: Alice