The revitalization of Hollywood continues as Hush Lounge, a new supper club in a former speakeasy on the corner of Hollywood and Hudson, opened on August 8th.
Hush Lounge is a lush phalanx of rooms that combines the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age with contemporary touches. A tasting event was held on August 7th to showcase the lounge’s cuisine and unique ambience.Going down a flight of street-level stairs, we were greeted by a gorgeous hostess, Kristi McDaniel, wearing a backless black flapper-inspired dress that suited the mood of the lounge perfectly. She walked us into a dimly-lit room anchored by a small stage and featuring intimate dining tables and banquettes. Onstage, a jazz trio played while we consumed the delicious American contemporary cuisine.
The first plate paired perfectly ripened heirloom tomatoes with homemade boccconcini, topped with 12-year-old balsamic vinegar. Our charming and attentive server Tyler Medina then presented us with salads of tiny lettuces teamed with slivers of butter pear, pecans and a sherry pepper vinaigrette made with 25-year-old sherry.
Next we were presented with a short rib cooked osso bucco style. The rib had been braised all day, which was apparent in the tenderness of the succulent meat.
The highlight of the meal was the macaroni and cheese with lobster. This normally prosaic but comforting dish was made sublime with the addition of chunks of fresh lobster.
Housed in a building rich in Hollywood history
Hush Lounge is an underground hideaway in the historic Hillview Building, a building almost as old as Hollywood itself. Built in 1917 by Jesse Lasky and Samuel Goldwyn, two of Hollywood’s biggest moguls, the Hillview Building debuted as a residence exclusively for actors, including Stan Laurel of Laurel and Hardy.
The Hollywood history doesn’t stop there. The subterranean Hush Lounge was once the site of a speakeasy owned and operated by Rudolph Valentino. The Hillview Building was later owned by Charlie Chaplin.
Hush has several lounge areas, a full bar and a number of VIP rooms. The mood is Hollywood cool crossed with classic glamour. This club atmosphere combined with superior cuisine is a welcome addition to the continuing gentrification of Hollywood.
Hush offers music nightly. They plan to offer burlesque acts one night a week. Dinner is served Thursday through Sunday evenings.
Experience Hush Lounge
Hush Lounge is located at 6533 Hollywood Boulevard. The phone number is (323) 467-4874.
