Gwen

While I absolutely adore Curtis Stone's Maude in Beverly Hills, I was thrilled when Gwen -- in which he partnered with his brother, Luke -- conveniently opened just north of me on Sunset in Hollywood. Named after the brothers' maternal grandmother who imbued in the boys a sense of respect and care for farm work and livestock, Gwen is a dual "chef-driven," European-style butcher shop and restaurant. Having already sampled the shop's utterly delicious charcuterie offerings, I decided to enjoy the dining room's five course tasting menu for my first in-house meal (the restaurant also offers three and ten course meals as well, with supplemental courses that can be added for up to twenty courses!). The dinner was exactly what I'd hoped for -- as the restaurant itself proclaims, it was an "elegant feast."  The charcuterie and terrines were impeccable, pillowy gnocchi paired gorgeously with rich, smoked ham hock, and both the boneless shortrib confit and fire roasted pork (glazed cheek, grilled rack, and smoked belly) were meat at its finest. Though I often find myself too full to savor dessert following a tasting menu, the Gwen's pastry chef's creation was too delicious to resist, and I found myself finishing every bit of the chocolate praline, caramelized banana, and cinnamon phyllo. I love knowing that the restaurant's patio doesn't require reservations and serves an à la carte menu, which I'll certainly take advantage of before long on an upcoming cool spring evening.

Dress: Pinup Girl Clothing Vera Dress in Canvas Green Palm Springs Tiki
Lips: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in American Doll
Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer in Ebony
Bag: Kate Spade New York

"Martini Inspired" with Mango, Pisco, Fino Sherry, and Dry Vermouth served up

Charcuterie including duck breast and wagyu 

Terrines - head cheese with mustard seed (front), country rillette with pickles (middle), and foie gras (back)

Baby Gem with sauerkraut, arugula, and caraway

Gnocchi with smoked ham hock, salsify, and black truffle

Boneless Shortrib, confit and grilled

Fire Roasted Pork - glazed cheek, grilled rack, and smoked belly

Chocolate praline, caramelized banana, and cinnamon phyllo