AMMO AT THE HAMMER
HOLLYWOOD FAVE EXPANDS TO WESTWOOD VILLAGE

Our friends at AMMO, a local favorite along Highland Avenue has long been quenching palettes and delighting taste buds, recently introduced new bar manager Jonny Ericsen and opened a second location called AMMO at the Hammer in the courtyard of the Hammer Museum in Westwood Village.

The AMMO team of founder Amy Sweeney and Managing Partner Benny Bohm are now letting westsiders and the art community experience what so many of us have known since 1996, that AMMO is an excellent go-to place for healthy and savory items from an impressive, season-driven menu.

Lunch items include French Lentil Salad; Vegetable Sandwich; Roasted Turkey Breast with Smoked Mozzarella and Bacon Sandwich, and Orecchiette with Summer Squash, among others. Supper items include Pizzas, Grilled Chicken Breast, and Grilled Shrimp on Red Quinoa, among several other dishes.

A great go-place if you find yourself in Westwood, it’s an obvious a no-brainer if you’re at the Hammer or even if you’re going to the nearby Geffen Playhouse or a movie in the village. During our recent visit for brunch, we basked in the peaceful setting and enjoyed a fresh and satisfying meal.

Opting to split a few brunch items, the French Lentil Salad with roasted beets, mustard greens, radicchio and sherry vinaigrette was light and ever-so tasty. While I’m not the world’s biggest beet fan, these fresh beets were incredible. This is a unique dish and a pleasant way to enjoy lentils other than in soup.

The Vegetable Sandwich with avocado, tomato, cucumber, sprouts, feta, lemon and olive oil on olive bread quickly became an immediate favorite. While you can opt for the Grilled Niman Ranch Ham Sandwich, which I’m sure is hearty and satisfying, the Vegetable Sandwich, served with a side green salad, is phenomenal and definitely worth trying. It’s the perfect combination of veggie goodness resulting in unparalleled mouthwatering flavors. I will be back for this sandwich any time I’m in the area.

If you’re looking for another hearty item, the Orecchiette with summer squash, asparagus, squash blossoms, green garlic and young onions is filling yet not too heavy. Perfect for sharing, this pasta dish is a bit much for just one person unless you find yourself in the need to carbo load.

While AMMO at the Hammer doesn’t have the noteworthy cocktail menu that AMMO has, it does offer an impressive beer and wine selection that will pair perfectly with anything you order.

“AMMO has always been one of my favorite spots and they are a leader among L.A. restaurants in terms of innovative seasonal cuisine and farm-to-table sensibilities,” says Hammer director Annie Philbin. “We are thrilled AMMO is now here at the museum and are looking forward to having a real epicurean destination in our courtyard.”

AMMO at the Hammer is located at 10899 Wilshire Blvd in Westwood. Call 323-871-2666. Open for lunch Tuesday - Friday from 11:30am to 4pm; Supper: Tuesday - Friday from 4pm to 7pm; and weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am to 5pm.  Happy Hour: Tuesday - Friday from 4pm to 7pm.

 

AMMO at the Hammer Courtyard     
Photo Credit: Elon Schoenholz