After multiple visits to the Bazaar (this being number eleven), Peter and I get most excited when we’re bringing in “Bazaar Virgins” (first timers) to the restaurant. It’s even more fun when they’re big time foodies like our friends Ron and Diane. Thanks to the wonderful staff (William, Felix, Alison, Audra!), we were seated at my favorite table in the Rojo room, with a direct view of the open kitchen.
It’s always a delight when Amanda rolls up to our table with the liquid nitrogen cart (or caviar or cotton candy). And I love when servers that aren’t even working our table (Calvin and Hugh) stop by for a quick hello. I’ve had several people ask me why I keep returning to the Bazaar, when there are so many other places to try, and honestly… besides the incredible food and fun atmosphere, it’s because they make me (and my “virgins”) feel perfectly welcome on each and every visit.
THANK YOU to everyone at Bazaar and SLS!
West Hollywood Cone: Rainbow Tobiko Caviar (almost too pretty to eat!)
Papas Canarias: Salty, wrinkled potatoes with mojo verde
Japanese Taco: Grilled eel, shiso, cucumber, wasabi and chicharron
Tortilla de Patates “New Way” Potato Foam, egg 63, caramelized onions
Gazpacho estilo Algeciras: Traditional gazpacho
Ensaladilla Rusa: Potato salad, tuna belly and mayo (I know this doesn’t look like much, but the flavors here were FANTASTIC.)
Wild Mushroom Soup: Idiazabal cheese and golden egg yolk
Uva Bella cocktails (muddled white grapes, gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and orange bitters).
The Bazaar by José Andrés, SLS Hotel
465 South La Cienega Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 9004
(310) 246-5555
http://www.theBazaar.com
Dining date: 4/26/09
Amazing food. The more I read about this place from you, the more it makes me want to go!
I JUST WENT and I want to go again! LOL.
It really is a fun and delicious “dining experience”.
I had something similar to that egg dish by chef Nicolas le Bec. Interesting post! And it makes me want to visit that restaurant! Thanks for sharing
I’m pretty new to your blog (about 4 months) but have really enjoyed your postings and especially the pictures.
I’m a bazaar virgin as well and excited to be celebrating my birthday with a 6/20 reservation. I’ll be joined by 4 friends who are completely new to this. Any tips or suggestions as to where to sit, what to order or stay away from?
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Iman,
Both of the tapas rooms are lovely, but I personally prefer the energy of the Rojo room. It’s a bit noisy, next to the open kitchen (which I love) and very busy. But for a first time visit, the Blanca may be a better choice, because it’s quieter. It’s where I was seated on my first visit as well. Your server will be doing a lot of explaining for each dish, and you won’t have to strain your ears!
As for what to order… here are a few items that I ALWAYS order when bringing in someone new. I call these the “Bazaar Essentials”:
Philly Cheesesteak Air Bread
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mylastbite/3041566045/in/set-72157613769019509/
Jamón Ibérico (Iberian Ham)
and
‘Pa amb’ tomaquet (bread with tomato in Catalan)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mylastbite/3401159933/in/set-72157613769019509/
“Not Your Everday Caprese” (ask for the Tomato Mozzarella Pipettes)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mylastbite/3257071494/in/set-72157613769019509/
Croquetas de Pollo (Chicken & Béchamel Fritters)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mylastbite/3451178350/in/set-72157613769019509/
Papas Canarias (Potatoes & Verde Sauce)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mylastbite/3605762007/in/set-72157613769019509/
and if you’ve never experienced spherification, then for sure the Liquid Olives!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mylastbite/3042395394/in/set-72157613769019509/
Note: I never post photos or write about foods I don’t like, so check out all the photos from Bazaar here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mylastbite/sets/72157613769019509/
We all have different tastes in food and maybe something catches your eye. For example: I love savory and could easily live without dessert, but Bazaar has some fantastic sweets in the Patisserie!. I usually have one bite and let everyone else finish.
Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Please let me know how your dinner at Bazaar goes!
Cheers!
Jo
Thanks so much for adding the ingredients in the Uva Bella Cocktail – it was amazing and I want to try to make it at home! I think I’ll leave the liquid nitrogen cart to the professionals though!