Chef Steven Fretz, Joseph Sabato, and Devon Espinosa have opened The Church Key (8730 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, 90069) on the ground floor of the Sunset Tower. With a menu from Executive Chef Steven Fretz (XIV, Top Round Roast Beef), expect modern American shared plates. Ryan Ososky (XIV, Bradley Ogden) will serve as Chef de Cuisine and Ian Opina (Hatfields) as Pastry Chef under Fretz. The design of the large space is eclectic, comfortable and industrial. Large booths and rustic tables are accented with contrasting chairs, lighting fixtures, and vintage accents.
In addition to dishes like Jidori Chicken ‘Tikka Masala,’ Seared Manouri Cheese, and Potato Pierogies with Bacon Jam, The Church Key will have food carts filled with off-menu items including chef’s specials, charcuterie, dessert and cocktails, which rotate daily and throughout service. Some “Off the Cart” items include bites like Pig Ear ‘Cheetos,’ Falafel Croquettes with Truffled Tahini, and Fluke Sashimi with ‘Nuoc Cham.’
Award-winning mixologist Devon Espinoza (Pour Vous, Ink.) will head up the bar program, which will feature “funked up” version of classic cocktails created with house-made tonics, cordials and other mixers. Espinoza also plans to add a number of playful approaches to his libations, including collectible church key bottle openers.
