Comfy Courtyard And Tasty Food At Lexington Social House

The online chatter about the Lexington Social Club paints the spot as a hipster haunt and attraction for Hollywood's young emerging talent, not the sort of place you'd want to go for a casual after work get together.  A visit to this establishment proves you can’t always believe what you read.

Lexington Social Club offers an elegant entryway just off the Walk of Fame.  The interior of the restaurant is a comfortable blend of trendy modern art with classic furnishing, decorated with a palette of white, grey and black that’s accented by bits of color: green plants, purple light fixtures, red highlights.  The visitor is offered a choice of sitting in the dining area, the bar, or the outside patio.

One wouldn't expect an intimate outdoor patio to reside in the busy Hollywood and Vine area, yet this outdoor oasis is a highlight at the Lexington Social Club.  For those just wanting a drink, a number of couches with ample pillows lined the space.  There were also a number of tables able to accommodate large or small groups.  Upbeat music was set at a volume that didn't interfere with conversation - a big plus for client meetings.

Bobby, my waiter, was friendly, humorous and impeccably groomed with a purple tie that matched the interior’s splashes of light.  While he did offered me the signature drink menu, I ordered a classic: the Ketel One Dirty Martini, extra dirty.  Many bartenders have difficulty mixing this drink, however the bartender added just enough olive juice without overdoing it.

Under the leadership of Chef Mette Williams whose credits include the distinction of becoming the first female Souse Chef at Spago, the Lexington Social House menu is defined as "Rustic Modern American."  The starter order began with the Local Apple and Pomegranate Salad.  The addition of pine nuts provided a nice balance to the zestiness of the pomegranates and the sweetness of the apples.   A highlight from this menu was the Sonoma Pork Belly.  The meat was tender and juicy with just the right amount of honey chipolte glaze to elevate the natural flavors and provide the gentlest kick.  Equally flavorful was the Heirloom Squash Ravioli.   The sweet and lightly buttery squash filling was enhanced by a drizzling of parmesan cheese and crispy prosciutto.  This is one dish that deserves to be graduated to a main course.

The mains include a variety of meat and fish dishes, with everything from a burger and the restaurant's signature fried chicken to NY strip.  Bobby prepared a sample for me of the Seared Scallops, Scottish Salmon, and Short Ribs.  Everything was cooked just right and the flavors were scrumptious, however my favorite was the Seared Scallops.  They were nicely sized and seared with a bit of crispiness outlining the edges while maintaining the scallop's tender center.  There was just enough preserved lemon butter sauce to enhance the dish.

It may be hard to save room for dessert, but the Flourless Chocolate Souffle that is served with a small container of almond milk is worth it.  The texture of the souffle was smooth and creamy, and the ability to add the almond milk cream to your own level of sweetness is a nice touch.

I did not stay at Lexington Social House late enough to witness the scene so I can neither confirm nor deny the online chatter.   Those I encountered at the seven o'clock hour were of various age ranges having a few laughs, some tasty food, and maybe a nice cocktail or two: which is what I consider a perfect end to one’s work day.

To learn more about the Lexington Social Club, visit:

www.lexingtonsocialhouse.com