From left: Adrian Vasquez, Providence pastry chef, Josiah Citrin and Wolfgang Puck

(1) Les Deux and Kobe sliders, mediocre crab mac and cheese, and chocolate dipped strawberries were an interesting way to celebrate LA's newly Michelin starred chefs. Billy Idol screaming "Rebel Yell" in the background (not in person), just the icing.

(2) Michael Cimarusti (Providence, one star), David Lefevre (Water Grill, one star), Josiah Citrin (Melisse, two stars), Joe Miller (Joe's, one star) were totally on. Autographs were signed. Photos taken. Surprised not to see Wolfgang Puck or Lee Hefter (Spago, two stars; Cut, one star) weren't around, but Wolfgang came from beyond the shadows for a couple photos and took off.

(3) Chefs supporting chefs: Josie LeBalch and Alain Giraud, spotted. Giraud says he wants the new brasserie to open before the end of the year, but according to some of our sources, that seems unlikely. As for the name: "You tell me!" he said, knowing about our contest. He wasn't impressed with the names we rattled off.

(4) No Michelin stars for the party food. We saw a few trays passed around the room, but always just two or three of something. Nothing made its way to us. Except the strawberries. The corseted servers were really pushing the strawberries. We had one. The most popular thing flying off the trays: The Michelin guides themselves. People were taking two or three copies each.

(5) Apparently Mozza was the only answer for sustenance. LeBalch and Josie GM David Osenbach were next to us at the cheese bar. Joe Miller and his former chef de cuisine were at the other bar. We heard Citrin and Cimarusti were over in the pizzeria. Where the starred chefs go.

Posted in Eat: Hangover Observations

Email this post to a friend

Email Hangover Observations: Michelin LA Launch Party

• Your friend's email address
• Your email address
• Note to your friend (optional)
• Antispam: What is 13 plus 11?
• or cancel (Email addresses are not saved or shared with outside parties.)

Chloe

Bistrotek

Carnevino

Creme de la Crepe

Sgt. Recruiter

Paperfish

La Defence

BondSt

Twelve + Highland

Bar Pintxo

Little Dom's

LA Mill

Medusa Lounge

Darren's

Melograno

Jaipur

Liberty Grill

Ruth's Chris

Pho Saigon

Bistrotek

Little Dom's

Paulette

Ford's Filling Station

Beacon

Red Seven

SimonLA

Din Tai Fung

R-23

Grace

Lucky Devil's

Sabor a Mexico

Hamburger Hamlet

Coccole

Cha Cha Cha

Michelia

Morton's

Vert

Harper's

Russell's Seafood

Zen Grill

Harbor House

Micky's

Doughboys

Trifecta

Scarboni's