Latest news with #BenShenassafar
Time Out
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The founder of The Hundreds just opened up a glamorous new Melrose cocktail bar
A streetwear mogul, a nightlife legend and a cocktail whisperer walk into a bar—no, it's not a joke set-up. It's the opening of Bar Benjamin, the newest velvet-rope cocktail destination from Ben Shenassafar, co-founder of The Hundreds, perched glamorously above The Benjamin Hollywood on Melrose. Now open at 7174 Melrose Avenue, the sultry, Art Deco–inspired bar is the sophomore effort from Shenassafar and partners Jared Meisler (who you might know from The Roger Room or Bar Lubitsch) and culinary consultant Kate Burr. Think: low wood-paneled ceilings, mohair booths, custom carpeting and a balcony bar with front-row views of the Hollywood Hills. You'll enter under a glowing red neon 'BAR' sign before ascending into a moody, cinematic cocktail lounge that's more old-school elegance than influencer bait—though it's both, let's be honest. But the real scene-stealer here? The drinks. Created by cocktail dream team Jason Lee from n/soto and Baroo, and Chad Austin of Bootlegger Tiki, the menu is packed with technicolor creativity and boundary-pushing spirits. Guests are greeted with a complimentary sip of the Bad Bunny—a clarified carrot-hazelnut-aquavit milk punch—before diving into concoctions like the Tommy Boy, a clarified milk punch inspired by tom kha gai soup, or the Inherent Vice, which involves a frozen strawberry daiquiri cube and a piña colada sidecar. There are elevated takes on classics, too, like a Miso Manhattan and the already-iconic Dirtier Martini served with olives, capers and zero shame. Non-drinkers also won't miss out—the menu hosts zero-proof options like the Taro Milk Punch (hemp spirit, taro, genmaicha) that are just as detailed and delicious. Small bites keep pace with the bar's sophistication: steak tartare on bagel chips, golden Osetra caviar with triple-fried chips and a shrimp roll topped with salmon roe are just a few standouts.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Best New Restaurants 2025: Top Scene Winners
Look to these hot new eateries when you want a fun scene as well as a delicious meal. To see the other Best New Restaurant winners, click here. Ben Shenassafar (of streetwear brand The Hundreds) evokes classic Hollywood hangouts at this opulent 1920s-style eatery where guests can sip martinis paired with former Spago and Bestia chef Johnny Cirelle's burger and other American favorites.7174 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, Longtime celebrity haunt Ago is now a chic South of France-inspired bistro thanks to Marissa and Matt Hermer (Olivetta, The Draycott). Sit on the lively patio under frothy umbrellas and enjoy caviar, fresh seafood, produce-heavy dishes and colorful cocktails. 8478 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, Chez Mia and Olivetta came together and raised more than $100,000 to make meals for those affected, and made a call in an Instagram post asking for drivers to distribute food and to nominate families in need. Restaurateur Janet Zuccarini (Felix) transformed the subterranean former Madeo space into an 8,000-square-foot bilevel Italian stunner, where chef Rob Gentile is serving his signature seafood, house-made pastas and Roman-style pizzas.8899 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood, Stella hosted a donation drop, along with offering free coffee and space to charge electronics on Jan. 18 and 19. They are also donating 100% of all pizza and Peroni proceeds to Slice Out Hunger's wildfire relief efforts.
