Walking into Citizen Smith, one of LA’s latest hotspot restaurants, is like walking into a hot club. Finding parking is unlikely in that trendy part of Cahuenga therefore you are conveniently provided with valet by the restaurant. The enormous stone-faced bouncer suggests not everyone is invited, yet by glancing in the window you can tell it’s somewhere you just have to be.
Inside the lighting is very low, the place is filled with stylish crowd and latest sounds. The atmosphere is warm and hip, very unique and designed for a great celebrity getaway. The “in” crowd is provided with private booths where they won’t be bothered or seen. Most recent sightings include Jessica Simpson and John Mayer, Britney Spears and family, as well as Mandy Moore who chose Citizen Smith for her birthday celebration.
Eclectic set-up suggests you’re about to be taken on a culinary adventure with surprises even when ordering the classics like surf and turf. There is no cocktail menu but the staff are happy to provide you with anything your heart desires. I order a Cosmo and my partner a Mojito. I am offered a choice of vodka. Both come immaculately prepared, the Mojito in a charming can-like mug.
The wine menu offers a few choices by the glass and a decent variety of mostly classics like Pinot Noir, Merlot, bubbly and a private reserve. Selection of appetizers involves an intriguing Fried Green Tomatoes, which I end up ordering just out of curiosity. My partner orders Jalapeno Tuna Tartare. The tomatoes arrive cornmeal-crusted with smoked mozzarella gratin served with microgreen and herb salad as well as aged balsamic reduction. Tuna Tartare is fresh, and full of tang with a nice kick of jalapeno to finish.
Filet Mignon au Poivre ended up being my entree choice. The menu offered a great variety of possibilities, but since it’s an American bistro, I felt it was my duty to report on the steak. Medium rare came medium rare, unlike in most places where it ends up being medium.To a true connoisseur’s taste the meat was almost charcoal on the outside and perfectly bloody on the inside. The filet came on a bed of mashed potatoes and peas and finished with green peppercorn sauce. The menu stated that it is available in 10oz filet and 6oz filet mignonette. I ordered the full size. I knew we might fight over the mignonette. The filet was perfectly tasty, however even more so I was impressed with our other dish – Braised Short Ribs. Slowly braised short ribs, served with soft polenta, buttered baby bok choi and carrots, finished with a braising reduction sauce, were delightfully full of delicate flavor, tender and wonderfully presented.
This chef behind all of this culinary genius is Chef Jose Luis. Born in Mexico, he came to Los Angeles in 1979. He has been a chef at Wolfgang Puck, Bliss, and Nick’s in Pasadena since 1987. He describes his cuisine as "continental" and his favorite menu items are the short ribs, and nicoise tuna. His goal is to have guests come and revisit Citizen Smith for the food above anything else. In the near future Chef Jose Luis plans on adding seasonal dishes to compliment the menu.
I was entirely full when I ordered dessert, but I can never pass on any type of chocolate on the menu no matter how full. I am now happy to report that I did the right thing by giving into my weakness, the flourless chocolate tower with flame-kissed marshmallow was absolutely climatic.
Location; 1600 N Cahuenga Blvd Hollywood, CA 90028
Hours; Monday – Friday, 11am-2am, Saturday – Sunday, 6pm-2am
Reservations Highly recommended, and may be made by calling
can you please send me any info on your resturant?