STIR MARKET
NEW FOOD HALL NOW SERVING ON BEVERLY

Inspired by the classic market halls of Europe, Chef-Partner Jet Tila and Executive Chef Chris Barnett have crafted an all-day selection of seasonal salads, sandwiches, Rotisserie items, and takeaway fare at Stir Market along trendy Beverly Boulevard.

Stir Market is a casual yet intimate California take on the classic European food hall experience and introduces guests to a contemporary dining and retail concept. A 4,000-square-foot urban market hall and restaurant, the industrial space offers an abundance of seasonal choices served from multiple food counters, including European Rotisserie and expo kitchen, seasonal market salad and sandwiches, a wine and snack bar with charcuterie and cheese, artisan bakery, and espresso bar—where guests can meet, dine, and shop in one dynamic setting.

 “We’re inspired by iconic culinary/retail destinations such as Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid, and Harrods in London where dining and shopping blend effortlessly,” explains Stir Market President and Co-Founder Mimi Mok, a self-professed Francophile who has spent over a decade living in southern France. “These great markets—that offer diverse eating experiences, shopping, and a sense of discovery—are as memorable as any Michelin starred restaurant. That was our inspiration for Stir Market, an environment where neighbors can come together for morning coffee, a meal on-the-go, sit-down dinner, and even shop for a gourmand gift.”

Stir Market is a return to Food Network personality Chef Jet Tila’s roots. “It just feels right, returning to my home base, not far from where I grew up working in my family’s market and opening a place with a sense of community and originality after travelling and developing concepts around the country,” says Tila. “Chef Chris also brings an extensive background in Mediterranean cuisine and we’re excited to mix European influences with the flavors of Los Angeles.”

During our recent visit for lunch, we started with a nice glass of wine as Stir Market offers seven taps dedicated to high quality wines from local small farm producers. The wine on tap program also allows guests to mix and match selections for their table whether opting for a glass or carafe.

“The ecological factor really motivated us to install wine taps at Stir Market,” says Co-founders Mimi Mok and Bryan Libit, “we discovered that installing one keg into our restaurant is equivalent to taking a car off the road for two years, and utilizing reusable kegs reduces about 2,340 pounds of trash added to our landfills over its lifetime.”

I have to say, the standout dish we had was the Porchetta Sandwich, which is unbelievably tasty. Served with house-made pickled root vegetables, this incredible sandwich is prepared with arugula, onion jam, aioli, and country boule. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better sandwich in the neighborhood. I’m determined to go back and try the Stir Market Porchetta dinner portion with its crispy skin, fennel, rosemary, garlic, lavender and lemon zest.

The flatbreads are either great starter items or a hearty meal on their own. The Fairfax Veg with quinoa chickpea croquette, edamame hummus, and feta is damn delicious, while the Roast Squash with shaved roasted butternut, onion jam, crispy sage, and pepperoncino is extremely flavorful.

The large salads and bowls would make any Seinfeld fan proud. The Tangiers Quinoa Bowl with chickpea, heirloom carrots, zucchini, pepitas, dried apricots, and Tahini dill yogurt is extremely hearty and terrific healthy option. Likewise, the market sides, including the braised lentils and beet tops are good and good for you, and the Brussels sprouts with Nueskes bacon is delicious.

Stir Market, which set up show at the former Buddha’s Belly space, is a welcome treat to the neighborhood. Serving quality fare, really nice wines, in addition to its great market items, has something for everyone. The porchetta alone is reason to go and go again, but it’s the perfect place to swing by for a quick drink, a light and healthy option, or a fully satisfying meal. 

Stir Market is located at 7475 Beverly Boulevard and serves an all-day menu from 8am to 9pm daily, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Call 310-600-2732.

Photography Courtesy of: Stir Market

Story by Jose Martinez