Take a step back in time to speakeasy days and where glamour was a daily occurrence. Head to the newly renovated, Culver Hotel, (9400 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232; 310.558.9400) where every detail has been thought of. From the 1920’s music to the stuffed lounge furniture to the fireplace with a group of friends gathered, this hotel is truly a special place to meet friends, go on date, enjoy the incredible food, or grab a cocktail after a long day.
Going beyond the extraordinary dining experience, the hotel’s long and colorful past is what makes this place so special. From legendary ownership to memorable guests, the rooms at the hotel, tell stories from the Wizard of Oz “munchkins” (who created secret passageways), high-stake poker games between industry elite, and housing presidential campaign offices (Dwight D. Eisenhower has campaign), this historic landmark is a true icon.
Known as the “Culver Skyscraper”, Los Angeles firm Curlett and Beelman built the hotel, along with architectural gems in the Los Angeles, including the Park Plaza Hotel, The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and the Union Oil buildings. The unique “wedge-shaped” Renaissance revival-style has sculpted stone, brick, ornate overhanging eaves and 200 windows.
These days, the Culver Hotel is serving up brunch, lunch, dinner, happy hour, as well as cocktails in the Velvet Lounge. We had a post holiday dinner that was filled with dishes we would go back for again and again. With appetizers including the Wasabi Deviled Egg (on the happy hour menu), Tuna Tartare and Mac n Cheese, they may sound like simple staples, but the tuna came with a sesame aioli and cucumbers for a refreshing twist and the Mac n Cheese came with four cheese and bacon, with the options of adding chicken, prawns, or a crab cake.
From there we kept it fish-centric, and had the Pan roasted Chilean sea bass, seasonal vegetables, spicy broth, and charred kale, along with the Wild king salmon steak, avocado pesto, grilled jumbo asparagus, citrus pickled red onions & peppers, charred cauliflower. Both were large, hearty dishes that were cooked to perfection and were balanced with the vegetables. (Not to mention beautiful).
From there, we headed to the Velvet Lounge, which is tucked away upstairs with dark lighting and plush, intimate seating. It’s the perfect spot to gather some friends, or end your night after your dinner. I tried the Southside Limeade, which is made with Ketel One Citroen, fresh lime juice, muddled mint, cucumber and is a balance of tart and sweet. The mint and cucumber makes it a refreshing start. I also tried the Blood & Sand, which is made with Johnny Walker, Cherry Heering, sweet vermouth, and fresh orange
juice. It was less sweet than my start but delicious all the same.
From food to drinks, to history and art, this is the perfect spot of an evening out in Los Angeles. Grab a spot in the lobby for a cozy meal with live music.
