If you aren’t familiar with chef José Andrés, here is a crash course. Born in 1969 in Mieres, Spain. Cut his teeth as a chef working a “El Bulli” under Ferran Adrià. Moved to the US in 1991 and landed in Washington D.C., opening his first restaurant, “Jaleo”. Currently owns 20 restaurants in the US, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Two Michelin stars for his flagship “minibar” in D.C.
Perhaps most impressive and most importantly, Andrés started the World Central Kitchen, in response the earthquake in Haiti in 2010. Since it’s inception, the Kitchen has served over 3 million meals to disaster victims, first responders and support groups, after natural disasters. They’ve done work in Haiti (2010 earthquake), Puerto Rico (Hurrican Maria), Houston (Hurricane Harvey), South Carolina (Hurricane Florence), Hawaii (volcano erruption), California (wildfires) and many more.
José Andrés is truly an amazing person and an excellent chef. Four Star Life has been lucky enough to dine at two of his establishments, “The Baazar”, in both Miami Beach and Los Angeles and here is a recap of our experience in LA:
“The Baazar” is located on La Cienega Boulevard in Los Angeles, adjacent to Beverly Hills, at the SLS Hotel. The hotel is a beautiful 5-star property, and the restaurant setting, on the first floor, is both playful and sophisticated, with dim mood lighting, interactive art (monkey aristocrats, anyone?) and clean lines. Although there is a private dining space for small groups, that is more of an event (more courses, fixed price, etc.) and a price point to match. Our favorite tables are located next to the open kitchen. That way you can see the chefs working, plating and conversing with the servers to ensure that the dining experience is first rate. Something about watching the chefs work while you eat makes you feel more involved in the experience. Always recommended.
Sticking to his Spanish roots, Andrés has created a menu at “The Baazar” that focuses on small bites, and playing off of his mentor, Ferran Adrià’s inventive style of molecular gastronomy, very few items on the menu don’t catch you little bit by surprise. The menu is broken out into several sections. Under the Traditional Tapas section you have Caviar, Jamónes (Spanish ham), Cheeses, Soups, Vegetables, Fish & Seafood, and Meats. Under the Modern Tapas section you have Vegetables, Seafood, Starters, and Sandwiches. We enjoy mixing it up and trying a little bit from various parts of the menu. Keeping in mind that all of the portions are small, but meant to be shared, going with a small group (4-6 people) is ideal if you want to try a wide variety. Also, don’t sleep on the craft cocktails. Super delicious and fun to watch them prepare. Last, but not least, head over the the dessert bar after dinner. Everything is on display and you can just pic and choose whatever your heart desires.
Some of our favorite dishes and drinks include:
- “Salt Air” Margarita – classic margarita with tequila and Combier, topped with salt air (cotton candy-like salt dissolves into the drink)
- “Magic” Mojito – white rum, mint, lime, soda, cotton candy (pictured)
- Liquid Cherry Manhattan – American whiskey, sweet vermouth, angostura bitters, liquid cherry sphere
- Jamón Ibérico de Bellota Fermin – acorn fed, free-range, ibéico ham (best in the world) (pictured)
- Cheese plate (always amazing – let the server pick)
- Stuffed Piquillo Peppers – with capriola farm goat cheese
- Papas Canarias – salty, wrinkled potatoes, mojo verde, mojo rojo
- Seared Scallops – with romesco sauce (pictured)
- Grilled Spanish Octopus – with caramelized onions, chicken escabeche, cherry tomatoes
- Croquetas de Pollo – chicken béchamel fritters
- Seared Waygu Beef Cheeks – with kalamata olive, black garlic, local citrus
- Not Your Every Day Caprese – cherry tomatoes and liquid mozzarella (explodes in your mouth) (pictured)
- American Caviar Cone – caviar and crème fraîche (pictured)
- “Philly Cheesesteak” – air bread, cheddar, waygu beef (pictured)
- Pork Banh Mi Buns – with foie gras, mint, cilantro, serrano chili, pickles (pictured)
Recap:
Overall, “The Bazaar” is a fantastic experience. Every seems familiar, but when it arrives there is always a surprise. The food is elevated using molecular gastronomy techniques, but it never looses the basic elements that make it delicious. Perfect for that special occasion or just a fun night out on the town!
- Bazaar by Jose Andres (465 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048)
- Web: thebazaar.com
- Instagram: @bazaarbyjose
- Cuisine: Spanish tapas
- $$$$ ($200 – $300 for two)
- Overall Rating (w/o price): ★★★★ (Exceptional)
- Four Star Rating (w/ price): ★★★☆ (Good Deal)