Just in case you haven't heard, Chef Harutaka Kishi has really stepped up the game at Chaya Brasserie in Beverly Hills. With a resume that spans the globe, this Paris-born talent has worked in some of the finest (and brutally meticulous) kitchens. From Versailles working with Chef Gordon Ramsay, to Japan with Chef Joel Robuchon, Haru (whose first name means Spring in Japanese) has a pedigree and passport impressive enough to work anywhere in the world. Fortunately for Southern Californians, he chose Los Angeles.
On a recent visit to Chaya Brasserie, I was pleasantly surprised to see how creative and well-executed the updated menu was. I've frequented other Chaya locations, both in San Francisco and Venice, but this was an entirely new dining experience. While savoring and observing Chef Kishi's dishes, at times, solely based on cuisine, I felt transported to a hot spot in Scandinavia or Tokyo.
Chilled Almond Soup
Chef Haru Kishi, like many chefs these days, makes frequent visits to the local Farmers' Market and utilizes only the freshest ingredients into his preparations. With a refreshingly well-thought-out and impressive approach, Chef Haru incorporates these seasonal items into an elegant, yet accessible dining experience. The Chilled Almond Soup was both visually enticing and uniquely flavorful - a dish so beautiful it was worthy of a photo (even for the non-food writer/blogger). The brilliant hues of the edible flowers paired eloquently with the more muted colors of the Marcona almonds and Shimeji mushrooms. Although light and refreshing, the textures added more substance to this impressive appetizer. The Soy Glazed Black Cod was art on a plate and satisfying to the palate - another example of Chef Haru Kishi's exemplary cooking style.
Soy Glazed Black Cod
Chaya Brasserie offers several dining options including a La Petite Menu with a selection of Sushi ($5-$16), Bites ($5-$18), and Entrees ($16-$35), a full Dinner Menu with Appetizers($12-$26), Entrees ($28-$38), and Side Dishes ($6-$18) or the option of a Three-Course Tasting Menu ($39) or a Five-Course Omakase ($65). The cocktail list is another strong point. These various choices make dining at Chaya an easy option for those with varying taste buds and budgets. A favorite, yet hidden celebrity haunt, Chaya Brasserie is the ideal spot for a meal with your epicurean friends or the perfect retreat for small-plates and cocktails after shopping around the corner on upscale, ultra-chic Robertson Boulevard.
Cucumber Ginger Fizz
(Absolut Citron, St.Germain, Cucumber, Ginger, Citrus, Herbs)
For all our Chaya Brasserie Photos, visit our Chaya Brasserie Album on Facebook.
8741 Alden Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 859-8833
