Chi Dynasty Spices Up Ventura Blvd

Phone: 818-753-5300
Status: Opened yesterday
It’s hard to believe that Jonathan Chi opened Chi Dynasty in Los Feliz 27 years ago, and just yesterday Chi debuted its second location in Studio City. Regular customer and nightlife impresario Mike Israyleyan (Playhouse, Ninethirty, the Backyard) of Muse Lifestyle Group partnered with Chi in this new venture on Ventura Blvd. Though it’s demurely sandwiched between an eye care shop and Romanov, Chi Dynasty Studio City is going for gaudy. The entrance is fairly grand, and inside there’s plenty of slick black and ruby red, in the same vein as the original. Napkins on tables are folded into fans, bamboo pops up where you’d most expect it, and an open kitchen guarantees a view of the wok cooking.

The menu is the same as at the Los Feliz location, including the signature Chinese chicken salad. Hunan-style lamb with leeks in garlic sauce, kung pao chicken or tofu, Mongolian beef, and walnut shrimp in a white sauce are among the popular specials -- more authentic versions of the Panda Express buffet -- and served with flair by waiters in bow and tie.
Additional Reading: EaterWire, 8/6
Additional Photos: Eater LA Flickr Page
— Daniela Galarza