Historic hotel adds new restaurant, bar
Owners of the Hollywood Historic Hotel, are busy putting the finishing touches on a new restaurant and bar that they hope to open later this month.
Dubbed The Edmon after their late father, the Hollywood Art Deco themed destination is on the first floor of the hotel, located at the corner of Melrose and Wilton.
Entering the ornate iron doors, which open to a lobby decorated in geometric wallpaper and a chandelier, feels like stepping back in time to Hollywood’s Golden Age.
“We have spent quite a lot of time and energy to get the design exactly right,” says one of the co-owners, who explains it was important for the new restaurant to pay homage to the history of the Hollywood Historic Hotel. Originally built in 1927 by architect S. Charles Lee, the hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The 90-seat dining room continues the theme with hand-carved woodwork and chandeliers that would make even Jay Gatsby feel at home.
“We didn’t want to put a really modern restaurant in a historic building,” says the marketing director for The Edmon. “We wanted it to look like it’s been here since the 20s.”
He says they are working to make the restaurant and bar feel authentic, but with some modern touches: electrical outlets with USB ports have been added under each bar stool and banquette, and energy efficient light bulbs are used overhead.
The kitchen is overseen by executive chef Gabriel Cappelli, who describes the menu as classic Americana, and general manager Shaun Cole is creating a list of specialty cocktails that will complement the theme.
Focused on creating the right atmosphere, Agopian says they view The Edmon to be a place that is both sophisticated and non-pretentious.
“We want to maintain a balance where someone can enjoy a peaceful meal, but still have fun in a 20s-style atmosphere with live music and talented bartenders,” he explains.
This balance of good food and live music will be facilitated with a stage inside the dining room large enough for a five-person band.
“We plan to have a live band at least three nights a week playing music from the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s — think jazz and Sinatra,” he says.
The ambiance should be attractive to the late 20s to early 50s crowd, he adds, saying he hopes it becomes a favorite for locals in the neighborhood.
“We want to be the place where you can stop by to have a drink or a bite to eat after work or before setting off to an event downtown.”
Although not yet announced, The Edmon expects to have a grand opening at the end of September. For more information, visit theedmon.com.
Category: Entertainment