Downtown: Checkers Downtown located within the Hilton Checkers hotel is most known for its chef back in the '90s, Mr. Thomas Keller himself. Keller has obviously been long gone (though he will be making his LA comeback in November with the debut of Bouchon) and since then has opened numerous restaurants from coast to coast. Following in his footsteps comes chef executive chef Todd Allison with a new menu, and an updated restaurant design. Allison has worked under top chef Michael Mina (XIV) and looks forward to launching his California market-driven menu which will be an elegant yet accessible regional menu with international influences and exotic touches, so says the PR report. Examples of the menu include Gilroy roasted garlic and fava bean angnolotti and herb-crusted rack of lamb with heirloom bean ragout; twice a month Allison will change things up and offer new tasting menus.
As for the interior, designer Kim Harley has taken the reins, blending vintage and contemporary using "organic-inspired" colors of ivory, taupe, black and brown with "punches of color and pattern" to brighten up the space which is still under construction. In addition to the dining room revamp, an adjacent outdoor dining patio and the popular lobby lounge will re-launch simultaneously. The lounge will feature many small plate items in addition to a new mixology menu. After all this hullabaloo, the new space will launch on October 5. [EaterWire]
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