XO ON BEVERLY
CAL-ASIAN LOCAL EATERY LETS LOVE TAKE OVER

Chef Michael Hung of XO on Beverly believes in letting love take over with his cuisine. Best known as the chef who opened Faith & Flower, Hung’s latest concept offers a California-Asian menu where he likes to muse “food is love”.

XO on Beverly is billed as a multi-purpose environment with dine-in, grab-and-go food, wine and beer, and retail goods that showcases well-crafted food and drink with a friendly neighborhood vibe—ultimately providing a convenient, quality, and convivial dining experience with approachable, fresh flavors.

Located on bustling Beverly Boulevard, XO on Beverly is in the former Stir Market space (Buddha’s Belly before that). While Stir Market with its neighborhood market concept ultimately failed, Hung is excited to serve locals and foodie guests looking for a flavorful respite.

“With XO on Beverly, we want to create flavors that feel heartening and healthy but whimsical,” says Hung. “Using California’s bounty, we’ve created a menu that will leave guests craving dishes multiple times a week. We’ve designed XO to be the perfect place for everyone: local employees in need of a quick business lunch, young families looking to pick up a ready-made dinner, and the discernable food lover seeking a sensational meal.”

During our recent visit for dinner, we made ourselves comfortable in the open and welcoming setting and dived headfirst into the Cal-Asian menu. The Edamame Hummus with toasted black sesame and young vegetable crudité is an excellent starter item perfect for sharing.

Consider the Burmese Style Salad with cherry tomato, crunchy seeds, and tea leaf vinaigrette a must-have. The flavors on this salad are overwhelming—in a good way. The taste is a light and fresh and so satisfying. The Steamed Buns with your choice of seared shrimp or crispy duck leg is another spot-on selection, as is the Chicken and Black Soy Stuffed Wontons.

If you’re looking for heartier options, the Kimchee Mac and Cheese with aged cheddar and beer sauce is an absolute must. Consider this a comfort-food-with-a-twist gem. It’s fantastically filling. Likewise, the Fried 7-Grain Rice with your choice of chicken, shrimp or pork belly, prepared with cage free egg, work roasted spring onion, and young carrots, is wonderful in a make you say “wow” way. Another menu winner is the Chicken Pho-tza Ball Soup with coriander-scented matzo balls, scallion, and ginger pistou—designed for sharing—is very comforting and pleasing.

Not to be outdone, Chef’s XO Cheeseburger is a burger beast that deserves to be recognized. With charred spring onion and kochujang mayonnaise, it’s perfect for the guest looking for a relaxed meal at the bar or anyone who just wants to relish a damn fine hearty burger.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood bar vibe, XO offers eight California wines and six craft beers on tap as well as a bottle list featuring sparkling wines, roses, sake and ciders. The goal at XO on Bevelry is to accommodate the needs of today’s modern diner while providing healthful flavor-filled options at every level of convenience.

“I am a true believer in hospitality,” says Chef. “I do this and the whole XO team does this because we really believe in taking care of our guests. For a part of your day, we want you to relax, enjoy your company, enjoy the food and drink we offer, and allow yourself to exist in the moment.”

XO on Beverly is located at 7475 Beverly Blvd. Open for lunch Monday-Friday from 11am to 4:30pm; dinner Tuesday-Sunday from 4:30pm-10pm and Friday and Saturday until 11pm; and weekend brunch from 10am to 4:30pm. Call 323-903-0016.

Story & Photography By: Jose Martinez

Some Photography Courtesy Of: XO on Beverly