Citrus At Social Hollywood

I recently received a beautiful envelope and inside it a stunning card, sent as a generous invitation to preview Social Hollywood's phenomenal new restaurant, Citrus, by Michel Richard. The Chef De Cuisine being Remi Lauvand. And how could I refuse to see and taste these new wonders while enjoying an evening out with my business partner and husband, Jon?

Jon and I stepped out into the night knowing only to expect the wonderful care, concern and service always provided by Social and their excellent staff. When we got there, the atmosphere was abuzz with the new remodel and the famous comforts we're used to (the green room, the billiard room and lounge, and the banquet club). The restaurant has a totally new feel, while keeping the charm and style we're all used to from Social. The ceiling is now front and center in the design and the colors are fresh and warm. Every element was well designed with a lot of thought and love. Loving the previous space, I was a little sad hearing it was being remodeled, but the changes have just increased the beauty and accessibility of the restaurant. It certainly has the approval of Encantare!

We made our reservation for the sample dinner, and when we sat down, I'll admit I was a little apprehensive. The selection made by the Chef was a wonderful paring of foods, but nothing that I eat (being very picky about meats, growing up on a farm where animals were pets, not food...). However, knowing there would be culinary surprises that night, I took it in stride.

First on the docket, a beet and raw tuna salad. Now, I HATE beets. My dad, he loves em, LOVES EM! I HATE EM! And Jon doesn't care for them either. But that salad came to the table and I put my fork in and said I'd try one bite. Two clean plates later, Jon and I sat in shock and awe....we like beets (at least these beets). The salad changed everything. I even ate the raw tuna (no, I don't eat Sushi either). The parings in the salad were like nothing I've ever had before in my life, and I can't describe it, suffice to say, it's wonderful-go try it for yourself!

Second on the docket, lamb in a jalapeno sauce and an orange duck dish. Now I don't eat lamb or duck...I just don't. But the sauce on the lamb was so full of flavor without the overpowering heat of a hot pepper, it was just all FLAVOR. Jon enjoyed the dishes...and then we found out there was dessert. All I have to say is (and it's hard to say with your mouth full of chocolate mouse and mint malt ball filled meringue "eggs") WOW! Eat them all. But, remember the meringue is my favorite, but I don't think there was an option to go wrong with! I'm even dreaming of their desserts still, which means that we'll be making another trip very soon. Perhaps I can put the bug out there that I have a birthday coming up?! :)

Regardless of what you do or who you are, please make it a priority to visit and enjoy Social Hollywood's Citrus restaurant. Eat to your heart's content. And while you're there, make sure to make an appointment to speak with Ani Avanessian (Special Events Sales Manager) or Melissa Darpino (Director of Catering) about any upcoming event, large or small, you have coming up in your life!