When the Avalon Hotel opened in 1949, it was a revelation on the bucolic edge of Beverly Hills, where it’s slightly hidden behind the dense foliage. After a revamp over 15 years ago, designer Kelly Wearstler has been brought back, this time to update the restaurant and outdoor lounge area by the hour glass-shaped pool. The result is 1950 Jetsons with a modern twist; vintage furniture - collected from around the world - includes a Carlo de Carli settee and wood and brass dining chairs by American mid-century designer Dan Johnson. Hand-crafted, white oak tables with inlaid geometric patterns lead to a marble bar surrounded by retro iron-forged bar stools.
In the kitchen, Chef Michael Hung - who received rave reviews for his stint at Faith & Flower - has rejoined the Bombet Hospitality Group for his spin on a modern American and Continental menu which features homemade linguini with geoduck and clams, foie gras torchon and rib eye steak with bone marrow gremolata.
Outside, the cabanas are set against a backdrop of hand-painted trompe l’oeil patterns inspired by Italian architect Gio Ponti, providing a great perch for a cocktail by Ryan Wainwright. Here, Wearstler’s signature soufflé sofas are also accented with vintage-gilded Italian lounge chairs, Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs’ 1950s beechwood chairs and Pierre Chapo coffee tables, fitting in perfectly with the Californian outdoor vibe.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
The Avalon Beverly Hills
9400 West Olympic Blvd.
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