The Insider.com

Celeb Hotspot: Lexington Social House

June 23, 2011

After dozens of private openings, the ­Lexington Social House has just opened up and celebs are abuzzin’. The lavish new restaurant and lounge is located in the heart of Hollywood. Thomas Schoos designed the 10,000 square foot supper club, which was conceived by New York siblings and first time restaurateurs Jeremy and Junella Chin with help from Choice Hospitality Group. The décor has a robust look to it, complete with impressive five-legged Queen Anne chairs, fireplaces, a garden patio and a carrara marble bar. ­

The food: Chef Mette Williams (Spago, Cut, Shutters) is serving seasonal, market-driven small plates and hand-crafted cocktails are flowing. With a range of international and comfort-food influences, the menu feels like it gives you a taste of far and wide, as well as memories of some good home cookin’. With starters priced between ten and sixteen dollars and entrees at $22-32, it’s a decently priced taste of the Hollywood lifestyle.

Celeb Spotting: Mark Salling, Alan Cumming, Carmen Electra,  Jaime King, Jamie Chung, Karina Smirnoff, Ralph Macchio, Lil John, Audrina Patridge, Curtis Stone, Amy Smart, Brooke Burke and Nikki Reed have all been spotted at the restaurant in the short time it has been open.

­Celeb Faves:
Alan Cumming: English Pea Soup
Jaime King: Assorted Flatbreads
Karina Smirnoff: Fried Chicken
Ralph Macchio: Lamb Bolognese
Lil’ John: Fried Chicken

Must Haves: For cocktails, try the Lexington and the After-School Special, which was like nothing my mouth has ever tasted before and I can only describe as if peanut butter and jelly walked into a bar and got wasted African rum. For appetizers, the cheese and charcuterie was a hit at my table (you can’t really go wrong with salami and prosciutto in my book). The entrees were to die for: Fried Chicken with smashed potatoes, braised kale and mustard sauce was perfectly on point and I can understand why it is such a hot seller at the eatery. The Short Ribs with herbed ricotta gnudi, spring garlic and tomato were a hearty mouthful that I almost didn’t want to finish so that my stomach wouldn’t have to part ways with the delectable dish. As for dessert, skip the Monkey Bread (mine was dry) and go straight for the Brownie a la Mode, you won’t be sorry.

Insider Tip: While the patio is the cat’s meow (and will keep you warm even on a breezy summer’s night), the chairs make a bony booty go ooooooouch! So sit on your sweater or take a seat inside the swanky, well-designed lounge. Also, get that Fried Chicken – it’s so good!