Hinoki & the Bird
When the biggest issue you can write about a restaurant is that it’s difficult to find, you know this review is going to glow. I’m sure by now you’ve heard of Hinoki & The Bird which opened in January. David Myers imaginative food is amazing but you’ve come to expect that, right? David’s long list of restaurants include Sona, Comme Ca in West Hollywood and Las Vegas, Pizzeria Ortica in Orange County, multiple Sola locations in Tokyo and now of course, the Silk Road-inspired Hinoki & The Bird in Century City.
I ventured in to Hinoki & The Bird last night with friends only after having to call the restaurant to truly figure out where it was. That’s because it’s part of a new building in Century City on a road that didn’t exist when the GPS in your car was last programmed.
But that was the last of my challenges as I arrived early and seated me immediately. Unheard of in LA, I know. I ordered a drink, the Gordon’s Cup on my waiter’s recommendation and eased into some serious people watching. And then I noticed it. The kitchen. The only kitchen I’ve ever seen with the best looking kitchen staff EVER. Now, I’m not talking model thin, crazy high cheek bones good looking. I’m talking about the kind of attractiveness that just makes you want to invite all those people to your house, visit and drink long into the night. Well that’s my version of good looking at least.
Our waiter was sweet and kind and knowledgeable. We went over half the menu before my friends arrived but that was all I needed to put us in his hands for the evening. We started with the Raw Bar and devoured the Marinated Tuna and lemongrass salad along with the Scallops with grapefruit and lime leaf. Next was the Crispy Marinated Chicken with lemon aoli, Chili Crab Toast with spicy cucumber and coriander and Salt & Pepper Marinated Fried Calamari with ajwain-tomato jam.
What I’m about to tell you is shocking, I know, but I ordered too much food. So hold on to your hat. After the Raw Bar and Fun Bites items, I moved to the bigger course with the BBQ Pork, Apple marinated Shortrib, the Lobster Roll, Coconut-curried Mussels, Hinoki scented Cod and the Caramel braised kurobuta Pork Belly.
Oh yeah and then we had dessert. Yikes!
Nick, one of the managers, came over to see how we were doing and he couldn’t have been more delightful. Even the restroom had a bit of whimsy and something unusual about it. If you haven’t tried Hinoki & The Bird yet, you must.
Heather’s Rating: Worth Going Back Over and Over
Hinoki & The Bird
10 Century Drive, Los Angeles 90067
(310)552-1200
Open: Tue-Sat 5:30p-10:00p, Lunch Tue-Fri 11:30a-2:30p