Let’s face it – this town can be a bit overwhelming sometimes. When it comes to nightlife, there’s no shortage of options out there for bar-hopping, club-crawling, live music, and of course, dining. With so many choices, it’s easy to become overstimulated, and there is perhaps no more stimulating slice of L.A. than the one-and-a-half mile stretch of Sunset between Doheny and Crescent Heights. This is the original Strip – the glitz and glamour that inspired an even wilder sister out in the Nevada desert – and cruising amidst the towering billboards, trendy boutiques, legendary rock n’roll hotspots and celebrity haunts is a rite of passage for every Angeleno. But with so much eye candy, uncertainty inevitably arises. Where to stop? What to eat? And perhaps most importantly, where the hell to park?
A great answer to at least two of those questions is the House of Blues, located at the east end of the Sunset Strip at 8430 Sunset Boulevard. Established in 1994, the locale quickly staked out its claim as one of the premiere concert venues in the city, consistently drawing top musical acts to its intimate stage. But although the House of Blues’ reputation as a first-rate concert venue is widely known, the Southern-inspired restaurant that shares its space, design, and philosophy is not quite as renowned. But like a supremely talented guitarist nudged out of the spotlight by a flashy, dynamic frontman, the House of Blues restaurant more than holds its own – and like an inspired blues solo, the recently revamped menu contains some delightful surprises.
The fare here pays homage to the home-cooked specialties of the South, and that regional flair is evident throughout the menu. The Pan Seared Voodoo Shrimp with Rosemary Cornbread is an excellent appetizer choice, as the cornbread soaks up the Dixie Beer Reduction nicely. Also pleasing to seafood lovers will be the Mediterranean Calamari, breaded to perfection and tossed in a mild Chili Garlic Sauce and Olive Oil. For a vegetarian treat, try the Crispy Artichoke Hearts – lightly fried with Parmesan cheese and served with two different but equally complementary dipping sauces – Chipotle Marinara Sauce and Horseradish Sour Cream.
What self-respecting Southern-themed restaurant could skip the ribs? The House of Blues serves up a full rack that literally spills over both ends of the plate, “Fall off the Bone” Baby Backs glazed with a sweet Jim Beam BBQ sauce and served with steamed Green Beans and piping hot Mashed Sweet Potatoes – a great twist. Another Louisiana staple, Creole Jambalaya, is done right with Shrimp, Chicken, Tasso Ham, Andouille Sausage, and Roasted Green Onions, all tossed together with just enough spice to provide a good kick after a few bites. Another standout entrée is the Medallions of Beef Tenderloin, seasoned expertly and grilled with a thin layer of goat cheese inside the cut, then drizzled with a Roasted Garlic Mushroom sauce. I ordered mine medium rare and had my taste buds nearly blown away by the succulent flavor combination of juicy steak and warm, sharp cheese. Bring an appetite or be prepared to pack some for later, as the portions are geared toward the ravenous.
Make sure you save room for dessert, as there are several selections to satisfy all manner of sweet tooth. For the chocolate lover, there’s the Sinful Triple Layer Chocolate Cake, served in a rich Chocolate Sauce and with Vanilla Ice Cream. If you’re into bread pudding, try the Raspberry and Granny Smith Apple Bread Pudding with an Oatmeal Topping, Crème Anglaise and Whipped Cream. As recommended by my server – the very knowledgeable and appropriately named Joy – I had the Boston Cream Custard Pie, served with Sweet Yellow Cake and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, topped with a hearty dollop of Whipped Cream for good measure and finished with Chocolate Sauce.
So the next time you’re cruising Sunset at dinnertime and your eyes are darting around frantically in search of good eats among the orchestra of shimmering lights all competing for your attention, remember that at the end of the Strip there’s a spot that does a great job of bringing a bit of home cooked Southern flavor to our West Coast town.
House of Blues, 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. For reservations call 323.848.5136 or online at www.hob.com.
