Ever hunger to experience authentic exotic tastes sans the imminent jet-lag that goes along with leaving the country? NINETHIRTY at the W Los Angeles- Westwood Hotel present a fusion of international cuisine that takes you or, rather, your palette to places all over the world. While the hotel broods the Los Angeles sleek and uber hip exterior, tucked away you will find NINETHIRTY, a restaurant that is sure to satisfy your dreams of the far away lands.
NINETHIRTY has been open since January 2005, and ever since has been critically acclaimed for their seasonal menu, which makes use of locally farmed and fresh produce and ingredients. They have received titles such as “Top Ten Best New Restaurant” by Los Angeles Time Magazine as well as a “Top Ten Hot Spot” by Angeleno Magazine. LA’s The Place is calling it one of the best culinary experiences in Los Angeles and a must-try! 
The Master Behind the Cuisine
Recently, NINETHIRTY acquired Monique King, a renowned chef whose technique can be described by the phrase she coined herself, “loud food and spicy music”. Receiving critical nods and A-list coverage from Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, among other prominent media outlets, and once described by Travel+Leisure Magazine as “the Lauryn Hill of New American cuisine, Monique brings her signature style to Los Angeles and the W Hotel. Monique loves bold flavors and consistently adds a unique twist to every dish. Los Angeles welcomes her creative outlook, and NINETHIRTY has certainly added some extra spice to our city.
Monique comes to NINETHIRTY with the intentions to increase the diversity of regional flavors, adding ingredients from the South, Pacific Northwest, New England, and the Creole-Bayou region. Putting her unique twist on traditional dishes, Monique likes her food to represent not only American culture, but also personalities from all over the world. To create the best, one has to learn from the best and Monique has worked with Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, the Too Hot Tamales on the Food Network.
No matter where Monique brings her taste, she is consistently dazzling customers with her ability blend traditional cuisines from all over the world. Just a quick glance at their menu reveals that NINETHIRTY is more than just fine dining…it’s fine exotic dining. And since their food has such an eclectic style, they offer wines from all over the world to pair with your meal.
Known for her global eclectic flair, Chef Monique creates dishes with distinction and believes in big, bold tastes, with a strong commitment to flavors. Receiving critical nods and A-list coverage from Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, among other prominent media outlets, and once described by Travel+Leisure Magazine as “the Lauryn Hill of New American cuisine,” Chef Monique has elevated NineThirty’s culinary profile by incorporating flavors and ingredients from around the world, as well as significant centers of regional American cuisine including the South, Pacific Northwest, New England, and the Creole-Bayou region. Chef Monique believes that “food should reflect a distinctive personality and embrace both bold and subtle flavors” and should “represent all of the people who live in America, and celebrate the many diverse culinary traditions that have created modern American cuisine”.
Signature cocktails include an extensive signature martini list, particularly the popular Pomegranate, French Fizz, Peach Bellini-tini, and Pink Sapphire varieties, as well as a refreshing Blackberry Mojito. We particularly loved their Poma martinis.
Table for 22
With the arrival of Monique also comes the ultimate dining experience called Table for 22. Essentially a dinner party concept, this table will allow for guests to plan their seating arrangements, assemble personalized decorative elements, and order off Monique’s spectacular prix fixe menu. For those readers whose mouths are watering already, be sure to plan ahead as this fabulous model for a night-out is sure to be booked for weeks in advance. Those lucky enough to enjoy the W’s version of private dining, can assure you that Monique King’s unique table is undoubtedly fit for a king (or a Hollywood producer looking for the perfect place to close a deal).
The Look
The atmosphere at the W Hotel can be described as sleek and chic. The soothing environment was designed by the celebrated Toronto design firm Yabu Pushelberg, Described as a zen-inspired space, the interior is contrasted by light and dark woods. Intricate hand-crafted panels of woven rattan and carved coconut shells border the dining room, and a 12-foot sandstone bar stands proudly in the center of the room, opening into a serene out-door patio. It was the kind of atmosphere where you felt comfortable, yet aware of being in a special environment.
The W Hotel Los Angeles
The W Hotel Los Angeles is an oasis for everything beautiful and trendy. Located in Westwood at the foothills of Beverly Hills/Bel Air, the W is steps away from UCLA and numerous boutique shopping and theaters. They provide an urban sanctuary for visitors, but also local clientele who are looking for a Los Angeles hideaway. Sip on a cocktail, take a dip in the heated outdoor pool, sneak into a private furnished cabana, workout in their state-of-the-art fitness center, or relax at their luxury Bliss Spa—no matter what it takes for you to unwind, the staff at the W always make sure your needs are met.
Other options at the W include THE BACKYARD, The W’s new poolside dining, is located, literally, in the hotel’s backyard–surrounded by lush and gorgeous landscapes. Lounge in one of the lime-green and deep brown benches while enjoying light Californian plates. Options include lobster quesadillas with pico de gayo and guacamole and albacore tuna sandwhich with an invigorating aioli sauce.
WHISKEY BLUE bar uses art and sexy design to create the ultimate atmosphere for patrons looking for an unforgettable night. Hip locals lounge in this Polynesian styled bar sipping on seductive cocktails.
NINETHIRTY is located at 930 Hilgard Avenue, on the ground floor of the W Los Angeles – Westwood. The restaurant is open for breakfast (6:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.), lunch (11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.), and dinner (5:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.), seven days a week.
The bar at NINETHIRTY remains open until 12 midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. Table for 22 reservations must be made through the restaurant reservation line. Reservations are highly recommended, and can be made by calling 310.443.8211, or by visiting www.opentable.com or www.ninethirtyw.com.
