Gwen

Gwen Restaurant Review:

About chef Curtis Stone: Australian celebrity chef Curtis Stone created a culinary tribute to his maternal grandmother by naming this Hollywood spot Gwen. (His Beverly Hills restaurant, Maude, is named after his paternal grandmother.) His brother, Luke Stone, is also an owner in this upscale and elevated steakhouse, further emphasizing the family theme.

About the restaurant and décor: A carnivore’s paradise, Gwen houses both a European-style butcher shop and a beautiful restaurant with an open kitchen in the back. The glassed-in grilling station and wood fire pit add energy to the sexy décor that honors the history of the 1920s building, channeling Old Hollywood glamour with its blue velvet booths and sparkling chandeliers. The entire experience makes it clear that this is not your usual steakhouse. It is more than just cooking meat and bringing it to your table on a warm plate. It starts with the presentation of a box of assorted steak knives for guests to select their own cutlery.

About the food & drinks: A market green salad might serve as a vegetable interlude between house-made charcuterie and the meaty main event, perhaps grilled Berkshire pork chops, New York strip or barley and rye finished short loin. Keep an eye out for big-ticket cuts such as a 42 oz. bone-in rib-eye. Sides might include duck fat potatoes, creamed corn and slow roasted cauliflower. Early birds can enjoy a pre-theater prix-fixe menu ($55) between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Classic cocktails get a modern spin, while the wine list features bottles from France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the United States and, naturally, Australia.