In a time where minimal contact is counterintuitive to hospitality, there’s one pop-up in Los Angeles that still makes dining a special experience for people. Allow us to introduce you to TORCHED – an interactive and visually entertaining culinary concept by Gastro Garage open now for a limited time until mid November.
Gastro Mechanics dutifully preparing the Piston Pizza Tank for guests
Experience a multi-sensory dinner up on the stylish rooftop of the W Hollywood, where the blaring sounds of 80’s anthems and blowtorches light up the night sky.
A place where chefs known as “Gastro Mechanics” welcome you with a joyful smile and a specialty cocktail margarita to kickstart the evening.
And at the center of it all, donning goggles, a face mask, and a blowtorch, of course, is Adam Levine, an actor turned hospitality guru who created the concept along with longtime industry veterans, Adam Manacker and James Campbell.
“Cheers to us and a moment in time,” toasts Levine with a shot of Bulleit bourbon to welcome guests at the preview dinner held on October 15th.
Levine, who has worked with culinary innovators such as Jose Andres and Wolfgang Puck, started the Gastro Garage concept with Manacker and Campbell in 2014.
Gastro Garage creator, Adam Levine, prepares a “tank” course for guests
“We are excited to bring some culinary fun back to the community after months of eating in and have created a menu for the W Hollywood that no one has experienced or tasted before,” said Manacker.
The trio has created an eight-course dinner replete with donut sliders, skewers, and sides all brought together by blowtorches and molecular gastronomy.
“It’s all about an immersive experience and experimentation with different flavors, toppings, and oils to create the perfect tank and unique night out under the stars,” added Manacker.
The Mechanics Menu starts off with Buffalo Blue Chips which are kettle-cooked and served with a blue foam and a bright reddish-orange gastro buffalo sauce that’s mild in flavor. Next up on the menu is the Piston Pizza Tank, a savory doughnut oozing with mozzarella foam and tomato basil puree, torched shredded mozzarella, and then styled with a dash of fresh basil and Maldon salt.
Shredded mozzarella gets the torched treatment on the Piston Pizza Tank
The tank is then followed by the Cubano Tank filled with gruyere foam, torched 12-hour slow-roasted pork, applewood smoked ham, mustard caviar, and topped with a dill plank. A side of maple-glazed carrot pops trails close behind as they are torched with EVOO, Maldon salt, and served with a side of maple gravy foam.
A dish of Japanese marinated Short Rib Drill Bit bursting with flavor follows and is served with a creamy white cheddar foam reminiscent of macaroni and cheese sauce. Last on the savory list is the Naked Salmon Drill Bit; a clean salmon skewer served with sesame oil, Maldon salt and béarnaise foam. Heap a spoonful of the foam onto the salmon for a buttery result.
Specialty margarita with a cinnamon churro sugared rim
On the dessert side, the mechanics apply the same experimental edge to its sweet menu items. The Princess Butter Cup Gastro Tank is pumped full of warm double chocolate foam, with a torched sweet peanut puree added in, then topped with Reese’s peanut butter cup pieces and Nutter Butter powder. Lastly, the Fireberry Gastro Tank is served replete with sweet cream cheese foam, torched balsamic strawberries, and fresh cracked pepper that complements every bite.
We recommend sticking around for an extra drink (cash bar is available) to fend off the post-dinner drowsiness.
And as Levine closes the evening with vigor and gratitude, one thing is clear: TORCHED is more than a dinner – it’s an experience.
Book your reservation now at Eventbrite. Tables are available in parties of 2 and 6 with pricing starting at $100 per person. The remaining dates available are Oct. 23-24, Nov. 6,7, 13 and 14.
The W Hollywood is offering a special 25% room rate for those who purchase tickets to the experience. Click HERE to receive the discount.
Please call: (310) 993-3979 or visit The Gastro Garage, for more information.
