A few months back, I took a visit to see long time friend, mentor and nightclub icon David Judaken. He took me on-site to one of his newest developments. EAST a restaurant and lounge located in the heart of Hollywood. Make sure to put that on your to do list when you visit LA.
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Found this on Eater LA -----
ReplyDeleteI had the opportunity to attend a pre-opening tasting last week and unfortunately David Judaken has missed key elements yet again. Upon arriving at East, I was taken back by the exterior decor. The inlaid walls were interesting but standing back, it was as if Judaken was short on funds thus cutting corners. This is possibly the reason for a building time of 3 years. Yes, 3 years.
Upon entering, It felt cramped with sub-par flow. The bar is entirely too small for any ability to relax, enjoy and expedite. It's as if for 2.5 years, he was attempting to build a small nightclub. Then suddenly decided on a new concept...a restaurant! The decor seemed to have some direction but from too many people. It was as if investors all purchased a different wall or section to design themselves. Rumors of Dodd Mitchell designing the place were heard, but then others spoke of Judaken taking the design back over. It is ego vs. ego.
Once I side shuffled to enter into the main dinning area in the rear, or as it was hinted "Disneyland Cavern", I was hit in the face by an unattractive stark white room with glass ceilings and trees. I expected there to be live caged animals in the "mini caves" referred to as private tables. There are a few nice elements that if starred at long enough would take your focus away from the bad ones. But then again, who wants to stair at a napkin for 2 hours.
I had the pleasure of meeting Chef Kevin Lee and was impressed by his enthusiasm yet it felt as if he was misplaced. Better said, I'll put it this way... Why would Wolfgang Puck be a chef at an Astro Burger? Too good a chef in an undeserving environment.
Here is a question that I could not get answered that evening. With Dolce Group's Geisha House 30 steps down and Kress directly across the street why would Judaken open a restaurant with similar menus to both Geisha and Kress, especially when East holds only 120 seats (70 comfortably)? My conclusion is this, too little, too late in both business sense and creativity.
With the construction of the W Hotel, players like SBE, Beso, Dolce Group and the new uprising of Hollywood and Vine, Judaken may have to do a lot of explaining to his investors... actually apologies may be in store.
My overall opinion is this: With Judakens' Garden of Eden and Mood having a long lifespan (both now closed), Opera, a shorter lifespan and MyHouse (formerly Garden of Eden) having already peaked six months after opening and now also on the decline how does one think they can open a restaurant that is poorly located, has a cliche menu and annoying flow and be successful. My answer is simply this. Spend other peoples money!
RATINGS - out of 10 Stars
Decor - 2
Food - 5
Atmosphere - 2
Concept - 1
Staff - 3
OVERALL - 3 out of 10
Judaken should stick to what he almost knows... nightclubs, if even that.
C.P.
Editor