THE FLATS IN BEVERLY HILLS BRINGS ON NEW CHEF AND COCKTAIL CONSULTANT

Michael Hepworth

THE FLATS BRINGS ON NEW CHEF AND COCKTAIL CONSULTANT

Beverly Hills (Perfect Meal Today) 12/5/17–It is interesting in this current market a chef has to share the spotlight with a cocktail consultant (used to be called a mixologist) but in the case of the FLATS in Beverly Hills that seems just about right. Owner Lisa Long has tagged chef Paul Shoemaker and cocktail guy Marcos Tello, and this loud bustling night spot seems to be serving up the right combination. The new menu has just been launched and for a fun night on the town before or after a visit to nearby Saban Theatre, this might be a real good choice.

Shoemaker has an impressive resume with stints at Alan Ducasse, French Laundry, Water Grill and Providence, and he also had his own places at Savory in Malibu and Firefly in Studio City. Next year he will be doing double duty with a new spot called Verse in Studio City, but for now all his focus and attention is going into the FLATS. The key behind his menu here are the Artisinal Flat Bread Pizzas where he stresses the correct balance between the crisp, the chew and the flavor in every bite.

At the launch I also tried the Famous Fried Olives, with whipped crème fraiche and Meyer lemon gastrique. He also does the Crispy Hen of Woods Mushrooms, comprised of crispy tempura and garlic water, and the Dungeness Crab Cake that features pumpkin, currants and a cocoa ginger reduction.

As for the entrees at the Flats, Burgers take the main stage with the Flats Burger with bacon, gruyere, rosemary aioli, caramelized onions and hand cut Kennebecs. More intriguing is the Honey Boo Boo Burger with whipped honey butter, pork belly and creamy Robiola as is the Wolfmother Burger that is prepared with balsamic red onion compote, blue and brie cheese and aragula aioli. Chicken lovers will want to try the spicy Calibama Hot Chicken, or Mary’s Chicken Breast with cauliflower, bacon, capers, honey dates and Meyer lemon.

However the cocktail program is equally exciting with head barman Shaun Summers working closely with Tello, who wants to create a cache of regulars to come and try the exciting cocktail menu. That will include the Carrots: a super tasty White Russian w/vodka, espresso liqueur and house made carrot cream. An absolute delight as was the Pumpkin: None But the Brave w/roasted pumpkin infused cognac, ginger,lemon.soda and allspice dram.