Hinoki and the Bird (1o W Century Dr., Los Angeles, 90067; 310.552.1200) is Chef David Myers’ (Comme Ca, Pizzeria Ortica) new Century City restaurant, opening Thursday on the ground level of The Century luxury condominium. Myers brings back Kuniko Yagi of his shuttered Sona.
At Hinoki & the Bird, Yagi and Myers will execute a small plate menu inspired by California and Southeast Asia/Japan. The menu is divided into sections, including Fun Bites (chili crab toast), Raw Bar (oysters with pear mignonette), and Grilled (sparingly seasoned proteins). Sample plates include: willow-smoked and marinated tuna with seaweed and garlic; Malibu spinach, miso-aged cream cheese, tiny tomatoes and lemon vinaigrette; Vietnamese green curry lobster roll with basil blossoms; and black pepper crab with cucumber and steamed bun. Be ready for fresh ingredients and clean, healthy eating.
Hinoki is a Japanese cedar tree, so expect an enchanted, naturalist decor with rope-style chairs, raw beams, cedar panels, trellised patio and a friendly, denim-dressed staff. You can grab a spot at the copper communal table for 14 or in the enclosed patio, where you can order up Hinoki Swizzles (sherry, elderflower, apple and champagne).
See the menu here.
