Beverly Center’s New Restaurant Has an Executive Farmer But No Executive Chef

The Beverly Center’s culinary side is shaping up nicely, with names like Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry slated to debut projects in the coming months. Among the offerings is one rather unique new restaurant: Farmhouse, a supremely farm-to-fork kind of place that actually aims to bring the farmers themselves into the spotlight.

Restaurateur Laurent Halasz (Fig & Olive) is behind the new Farmhouse, along with Nathan Peitso of Kenter Canyon Farms. Peitso is actually being named the Executive Farmer for the property, a nod to the restaurant’s effort to put the product front and center, instead of the chef. That means Peitso will work with the kitchen to discuss his growing cycles, his seasonal crops, and his limitations — all of which will go into marking up a constantly rotating menu for the restaurant. While animal proteins won’t come from Kenter Canyon Farms (nor will 100% of the produce used at the restaurant), reps for the project say Peitso will still be instrumental in their selection.

As for the space itself, expect 7,000 square feet of street-level dining right at the base of the Beverly Center. The dining room itself (which can be seen in this 3D rendering) will ultimately look rather rustic, with loads of light wood detailing, a big grill pushing heat from the kitchen, a fireplace, and a wood-fired oven. There will also be big floor-to-ceiling windows and loads of greenery of course, plus room for a front lounge area and a chef’s table.

Right now the plan is to bring Farmhouse to life at the revamped property by next spring, alongside big names like Cal Mare, a big food hall curated by chef Michael Mina, and new diner option Easy’s. The new Farmhouse also marks a decided departure for restaurateur Halasz, who has spent years in the upscale Fig & Olive world. That restaurant was marred in 2015 by a scandal surrounding Salmonella and allegations of high-end dishes being prepared in off-site commissary kitchens sometimes days in advance, but has gone on to quietly continue serving as a mainstay for Melrose Place diners ever since.

Right around that same time, Eater also got word that Halasz might be opening up a concept in Santa Monica to be called Farmhouse, though details remained scarce for some time. Eater reached out to confirm if that Westside location is still happening, but so far hasn’t heard back. Expect the Beverly Center outlet to open mid-next year, and keep lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch hours. A preview video of the project is above.

Farmhouse
8500 Beverly
Los Angeles, CA

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