Whether you are looking for an impressive place to take your date to dinner, or hold a business meeting over a clever cocktail, The Church Key in West Hollywood is the place to go. This Great Gatsby meets “modern shabby chic” Sunset Strip hot spot is the perfect balance between vintage yet modern, sophisticated yet playful, all done with a warm, welcoming elegance and a pinch of nostalgia.
Its very hard to ignore the element of sheer fun that is peppered into your Church Key experience and that is what makes this place a stand out. Executive Chef Ryan Ososky and Chef De Cuisine Christopher Fox are innovative, fun loving, and not afraid to take risks or try new things. Each time you come you may experience something new and exciting! Come on a specialty menu night –
Tuesdays: Fried Chicken Night!
Wednesdays:Wine and Dine night-26 oz New York Steak for two and bottle of wine for $99 (yes please!),
Thursdays: Tequila Night- shots start at $5 (told you these guys were fun loving!)
Sundays: Dinner and a movie (hello, incredible date idea!)
Come to their famous bottomless mimosa brunch, happy hour 5-7, or during dinner service you can flag down a dim sum cart strolling by your table. If you are extra lucky, you may spot the elusive old Pam Am flight attendant cart carrying frozen liquid nitrogen alcoholic popsicles. Yes. Seriously…so fun!!
THE DRINKS:
Mixologist Rob Floyd is incredible and loves his unique, seasonal ingredients. I tried the Cranberry Mule because I’m a huge mule fan and this was the best I’ve had so far! He used the usual Vodka and ginger beer but elevated it with cranberries and black cardamom. SO.GOOD.
I also tried a drink called Fall Lips back in December when I attended Church Key’s 3rd birthday party and I still think about it. It was vodka, lemon, pumpkin spice, Espuma (fancy foam) and champagne. This drink was elegant, beautiful, and Im always a sucker for pumpkin spiced anything!
Next on the list of cocktails I’d like to try: Sunset 8730 which has gin, campari, pear, and the most intriguing ingredient: Heirloom tomato!
THE FOOD:
Chef Ryan’s eclectic menu has so much creativity that there is sure to be something for everyone. Their happy hour menu is great if you just want a few snacks/finger foods to enjoy with your drink and I absolutely loved the nostalgic kids food elevated to sophistication. Fried mac and cheese dipped in truffle aioli was definitely something to write home about and the Bacon jam and Gruyere Grilled Cheese and the Salt and Vinegar Popcorn things also a hit.
From their regular menu I particularly loved the Stuffed Avocado. This is an avocado stuffed with Tuna Tartare, japenese cucumber, tempura and ponzu aioli.
If you love Burrata cheese like I do, their Heirloom Beet and Burrata should definitely be your salad choice. Wild Arugula, Pistachio butter (yum) and Tangerine Vinaigrette.
Since they are big on their Dim Sum, I just had to try “The Hit List” which is an appetizer compilation of their favorites. The fun part is the Dim Sum cart that comes around when you want to replenish your favorites!
Chef Ososky knocks it out of the park with his childhood favorite, Potato Pierogies. He gives this classic dish an upgrade with Heirloom apple butter and 5 year aged Gouda. I’ve ordered this dish twice now and have no plans of stopping.
THE DESSERTS:
If you don’t come to The Church Key for any other reason, come for the donuts!! Not just any donuts, these are warm brioche donuts from heaven with a brown butter glaze and cinnamon caramel. These are probably their most famous menu item and they even have an entire section of their website devoted to ordering said donuts. They deserve their own article as well. These are not to be missed!!
They offer other innovative and delicious desserts that will make your inner child very happy. I tried the Root beer flavored cotton candy (they always experiment with new flavors too) and I think this would make such a cute dessert to surprise your date with!
The Church Key is definitely the place you want to check out for your next date, meeting, celebratory dinner or when you just want to grab a drink. That perfect slice of vintage nostalgia mixed with modern swank. I will definitely be back.
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