This was published 6 years ago
Seven dishes you should try in LA: Chef Luke Mangan, Virgin Australia
By Julietta Jameson
Luke Mangan
THE IVY GIMLET COCKTAIL, THE IVY
The Ivy do great cocktails, and this is one of their signatures – it's a simple and refreshing mix of Svedka Vodka with fresh lime and home-grown mint. They also do great martinis and margaritas. If you can get a table out on the terrace it's a great place for lunch, brunch and people watching. See theivyrestaurants.com
Truffle, squash blossom and goat's cheese pizza at Cecconi's, West Hollywood.
TRUFFLE, SQUASH BLOSSOM, GOAT'S CHEESE PIZZA, CECCONI'S WEST HOLLYWOOD
I think I've tried every pizza on their menu but this one is hands down the best. I often just grab a seat at the bar and order this pizza with a glass of wine. The truffle and goat's cheese is a perfect combination. The service, the food, and the atmosphere are always good here and it's probably one of my favourite restaurants in LA. See cecconiswesthollywood.com
CHEESEBURGER WITH SMOKED PORK, CARAMELISED ONION, BREAD AND BUTTER PICKLES, THE RESTAURANT, THE STANDARD HOTEL, HOLLYWOOD
Consistently, I think, one of the best burgers in LA. Even if I'm not staying in the hotel I will go here just for the burger. The pork has just the right amount of smokiness and the pickles add an extra sweet and tangy texture to the burger. If I'm going all out I'll add a side of chickpea fries with pickled chilli – it's all about the pickles. See standardhotels.com
CHARCUTERIE & CHEESE, WALLY'S WINE BAR, BEVERLY HILLS
This place is a wine bar, restaurant and specialty food store – it almost has to be seen to be believed. I'll often go here for a pre-dinner board of charcuterie, cheese, pickled vegies and a glass of wine. They have a huge selection of meats and cheese and more than 100 wines by the glass, so often I'll just let the staff choose a wine for me. They also do a mean grilled truffle cheese sandwich. See wallywine.com
BONE-IN KANAS CITY STRIP STEAK, CREAMED SPINACH AND GORGONZOLA MAC & CHEESE, MASTRO'S STEAKHOUSE, BEVERLY HILLS
This is one of my top picks for a steakhouse in LA. I always order the same thing – strip steak, creamed spinach with mac & cheese – the steaks are always cooked perfectly, and they have a whole page dedicated to sides. This place is always busy, has great service and there's always live music. See mastrorestaurants.com
TIRADITO "NOBU STYLE", NOBU, MALIBU
This is one of Nobu Matsuhisa's signature dishes. It's traditionally a Peruvian dish but without the onions. Beautiful fresh fish sliced thinly topped with yuzu juice, spices and cilantro.
MISO-GLAZED SALMON WITH GREEN TEA SOBA NOODLES, SNOW PEAS AND SESAME, VIRGIN AUSTRALIA BUSINESS CLASS
One of my favourite offerings from our new menu flying from Australia to LA from March 2018. We marinate the salmon for up to two hours in miso paste, mirin, soy sauce and sesame oil before searing, and serve with noodles and a light miso broth.
It's a really great, light dish for a long-haul flight.
Chef Luke Mangan's company has created more than 20 restaurants around the world, including the new Luke's Kitchen in Sydney's Waterloo. He is resident chef for Virgin Australia, overseeing the airline's new Business Class menu, which launches on March 7. Virgin Australia flies under its own livery to LA 18 times a week and a further seven with Delta. See virginaustralia.com
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