41 Ocean (1541 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 90401; 310.500.8568) is the members only club by Max Russo and Jeremy Umland (Ozumo, Sonoma Wine Garden) of Ozumo Concepts International and he has named Chris Crary as executive chef. 41 Ocean is a place where members can eat, drink, and relax with fellow artists, executives, and professionals from all industries.
The space includes an 80-seater restaurant, cocktail lounge, piano bar, performance stage, and a screening room with plush sofas and chairs and a 100-inch projection screen. Matt Winter (Oldfield’s and Sassafras) is behind the design which hints at Spanish Colonial Revival Style with wrought iron candle chandeliers, Persian rugs, bullfighting posters, painted mosaic tiles, arched door frames, reclaimed wood and vintage finds and the outdoor patio has fire pits.
Crary will serve up his contemporary California cuisine like arugula with prosciutto, persimmon, feta, pecan, and lemon; lobster with arancini, pea puree, mint, apple, and chestnut veloute; and venison loin with salsify, coffee and coco crumble, huckleberry, and shiso. There will be a canape section with bone marrow and caviar, and an overall attention to seafood. He’s also trying to steer away from the small plate trend (Thank you!) and serve medium sized dishes meant for sharing.
The cocktail list is being created by mixologist Noah Ellis (Red Medicine) and, don’t worry, you don’t need to remind them which one your favorite is. It will be memorized by the entire staff.
This place is great for member with their dog-friendly Sunday brunches, a piano bar, classic movie nights, live music, Sunday football, and private workspaces for meetings and power lunches.
