Barton G. Los Angeles, A Modern Willy Wonka. To all our Power Player Lifestyle friends – Barton G. Los Angeles, is a modern Willy Wonka worthy of selfie overload at Barton G. In vast LA, it can be challenging to find a restaurant that leaves an indelible impression in the experience. Like watching that Willy Wonka movie. Something you’ll never forget.
I decided to take the nieces and nephews on a birthday celebration at Barton G. A great restaurant on the infamous Restaurant Row in Beverly Hills. On many occasions I heard Barton G. referred to as ‘food theater’; an adventure of theatricality. I figured with 3 children in tow, we would get a well rounded sense of its appeal. Barton G. doesn’t disappoint. The restaurant is a small modern, very hip room with walls of orchids and an exhibitionist view of the 2nd floor dessert kitchen as the cotton candy is being spun. Upon being seated at our table we notice our napkins are folded in the shape of a robe. Barton G., caught our attention with a sense of whimsy, imagination and fun.
We opened the evening with an assortment of specialty martinis infused with dry ice and liquid nitrogen. I ordered The Buddahlious which arrived as a smoking concoction of pear infused vodka, lychee and cranberry juice with a nitrogenized vodka popsicle. Arriving on a golden mini tray with a dancing buddha, I savored every delicious drop. Our server was able to provide a ‘virgin” version of the steamy cocktails which made the kids feel every bit a part of our culinary journey.
Our evening kicked off to the best start, we dove right in to an assortment of appetizers; Popcorn shrimp arrived in a popcorn machine with popcorn. Voodoo shrimp atop a bubbly, cauldron of smoke. Bucket of Bones was a tender and tangy basket of BBQ Pork ribs, Lamb chop Pops, Chicken drumsticks complimented with BBQ Kettle chips, pickles and an amazing honey gorgonzola dipping sauce. That basket just can’t go wrong. The infamous Lobster Poptarts arrived in their unforgettable toaster and was the table pleaser. Their popular mac n cheese and lobster mac n cheese made an appearance in a mouse trap. It was savory, decadent and filling. Our entree selections of the Lured by Salmon and the Birds Eye View was cooked perfectly and presented on wood board with a decorative metal bird looking down at us.
Would Veruka Salt handle this?….
The highpoint of our evening came with the dessert arrival of the “Let Them Eat Cake” the Marie Antoinette inspired dessert, complete with a high cotton candy headdress atop a modern mannequin.
Barton G.’s fantastical and whimsical theater takes you on an adventure with a thrilling tug at all of the senses. It is a little pricey compared to restaurants in the area. But you are paying for an entire experience with Presentation as the starring role. If Mr. Wonka happens to stop in, he’ll find the experience is worth a few golden tickets.
Link into the world of Barton G. and dine like a King and Queen: http://www.bartongtherestaurantla.com/
Report By Allison Monaco
