There’s a new star on the Sunset Strip and her name is Dakota Weiss. Weiss (you may recognize her from Top Chef Texas), most recently running the kitchen at The Sunset Tower Hotel, has relocated down the street to spread her culinary wings even farther as Executive Chef of Estrella.
One of Weiss’ favorite foods is bone marrow and it’s pretty obvious with her Instagram handle: @dakotalovesbonemarrow. So, how could I resist the opportunity to sample her favorite sherry funneled into my mouth through an emptied out bone marrow luge? I couldn’t. I got a chance to start the bone luging and it continued around the table last time I was in. What a ride. Heck, don’t knock it until you try it.
Head mixologist, Gioconda St. George, was showcasing some seasonal cocktails the night I came in, combined with a rock-n-roll twist. Since the restaurant drew inspiration from the famed Laurel Canyon bungalows of Joni Mitchell and “Mama” Cass Elliot, you can expect to find cocktails named, Sex, Drugs & Rock n’ Roll or Trouble Leaves Too Slow on the drink list. If you just happen to be having a drink and a snack a at the bar, don't miss out on an order of Artichoke Guacamole with oven dried tomatoes and tortilla chips paired with a Gobsmack cocktail (Avua Cachaca, jalepeno, sage, pineapple syrup, lime juice).
I tried 3 desserts off the menu, but 2 of them changed my mouth’s world. The Cast Iron Skillet Seared Honey Pound Cake with strawberries was like a riff on strawberry shortcake, but the pound cake added a heartier element to the plate. The bee pollen-avocado semifreddo was just delicious; I even wanted another scoop, but I didn’t dare ask. The icing on “cake” for me was the Sweet Potato Pie. It was perfectly executed fall dessert served with caramelized carrot-cream cheese ice cream, pink peppercorns, sage and cinnamon cream. Wowza.
At most of the food festivals I attended this summer, Estrella’s dishes always made my top three and they weren’t even open yet. All of the team’s hard work and Weiss’ vision definitely paid off. You can bet I’ll be back for more.
Estrella
8800 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 652-6613