Los Angeles - September 11, 2003

It's Getting Cool in Here

Citrine Restaurant Opens

It’s September. You know what that means: vibrant leaves, a nip in the air, woolly sweaters …

Unless you live in L.A. Out here the only thing getting cooler is the restaurant scene.

Starting with Citrine. Taking over the old Jozu space on Melrose, owners Dean and Peter Mavrikis have created a sophisticated spot that serves what they call “innovative global cuisine.” Think Cal eclectic with Asian and Cuban influences and a sushi bar to boot.

Chef David Slatkin, formerly of Peter Morton’s, Mojo at the W, and Fenix at the Argyle, creates dishes such as pan-seared jumbo sea scallops with arugula-and-manchego dumplings; wild-mushroom-and-sake bisque; and blood-orange-miso crispy king ivory salmon with black-sesame spaetzle. The sushi bar offers tastes both traditional and innovative. Desserts? Everything from a creme brulee sampler to milk and cookies. Decor, courtesy of Michael Berman (Grace), is old Hollywood meets contemporary hip: Polished concrete floors and earth tones abound. One step inside and you won’t miss the seasons at all.

As if you ever did.

Citrine Restaurant, 8360 Melrose Avenue, at Kings Road (323-655-1690).