California’s quintessential “Venice” hotel debuts an easy-going new restaurant concept, Erwin’s Kitchen & Cocktails, open today. The coastal restaurant offers approachable beach-fare, pressed juice cocktails, an outdoor patio and Instagrammable dishes reflecting iconic Venice Beach culture. The restaurant is named after the hotel’s namesake legend, Erwin Sokol – a boardwalk staple since 1975 upon the opening of Hotel Erwin. The hotel will also debut a new by-the-slice pizza concept for guests and beach-goers in spring 2019.
Erwin’s Kitchen & Cocktails is directly influenced by the hotel’s close proximity to Santa Monica’s farmers market. Executive chef Aaren Gutierrez sources fresh California produce on her daily scooter trips to the market, incorporating them into flavorful dishes such as seared halloumi and grilled brassicas, topped with vegan coconut tzatziki, and Peruvian lomo saltado – filet mignon over fries, smothered in bright green aji verde. Whether stopping in for a craft brew and burger after a leisure day on the boardwalk or fueling up with a wellness juice before morning surf, Erwin’s Kitchen & Cocktails is the perfect setting to grab a bite at any time of day.
The restaurant space is made to make guests feel like they are tucked away in a beachside bungalow. Wood paneling and photos of the surf line the walls, and a mural of Erwin himself greets guests with a grin. The restaurant holds 38 seats indoor and 26 on the outdoor patio, ranging from sleek metal trattoria chairs to barstools at the counter and comfortable banquette seating in the restaurant.
Hotel Erwin welcomed Gutierrez earlier this year, bringing a decade of fine dining experience to lead Erwin’s Kitchen & Cocktails, High Rooftop Lounge, in-room dining and catering. Influences of her Filipino grandfather and Mexican grandmother are found woven throughout the menu, from fresh shrimp spring rolls to mouthwatering chile verde braised pork. Guests can also find her signature hot sauce blend – a tangy concoction of handpicked peppers from the market.
“We are dedicated to pleasing all our visitors and Venice neighbors with hyper local produce, offering something for the most indulgent diner to the healthiest eater,” said Paola Moreno, Hotel Erwin’s director of food and beverage. “As we launch Erwin’s Kitchen & Cocktails, our deep and personal affinity for Venice Beach’s iconic culture translates into every dish on the menu. Whether you are a local or a guest passing through, we want every experience dining with us to feel like vacation.”
Erwin’s Kitchen & Cocktails will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
