Somni Reopening in Los Angeles: What to Expect

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The Culinary Renaissance: New Beginnings in Fine Dining

Somni: A Dream Reimagined

After a four-year hiatus, Somni is set to reopen in West Hollywood, California. Founded by chef Aitor Zabala and humanitarian José Andrés, this acclaimed restaurant quickly gained popularity. Despite its limited seating of just 10 guests, Somni earned Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for its impressive wine list in 2019 and 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced Somni to close its doors in late 2020. However, in an August Instagram post, Zabala announced the restaurant’s return under his sole ownership. The new setup will feature 14 seats at the main tasting counter, allowing for a more intimate dining experience.

Zabala expressed his excitement, stating, “After four years of us working behind the scenes to bring this project back to life, we are thrilled to invite our guests to embark on a journey of new memories.” The reopening is scheduled for December 2024, promising a fresh start for this beloved establishment.

Prelude: A Southern Culinary Journey

Prelude has recently opened its doors in Downtown San Francisco, showcasing Southern cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant is part of the Omakase Restaurant Group, known for its award-winning Niku Steakhouse. Executive chef Celtin Hendrickson-Jones leads this new venture, drawing inspiration from family recipes.

Hendrickson-Jones combines traditional Southern dishes with Northern California ingredients. His culinary journey includes experience at renowned restaurants, including Morimoto Napa and Commis. Prelude’s menu emphasizes shareable dishes, starting with small bites like deviled eggs and pimento cheese.

The wine program at Prelude is overseen by Master Sommelier Morgan Harris. The list features exceptional selections from Napa Valley, France, and Italy. Guests can also enjoy Southern-inspired cocktails crafted by bar director Franco Bilbaeno, enhancing the overall dining experience.

ōkta: A Culinary Legacy

In a surprising turn of events, ōkta, a celebrated restaurant in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, has closed its doors. Opened in 2022, ōkta quickly gained recognition for its innovative dining experience. Chef Matthew Lightner led the kitchen, offering hyper-seasonal tasting menus that showcased local produce.

The restaurant’s closure was announced via Instagram, expressing gratitude for the community support. During its brief existence, ōkta earned accolades, including a Restaurant Award from Wine Spectator. The wine list, curated by Ron Acierto, featured an impressive selection of 730 wines, focusing on Oregon’s unique offerings.

Despite its closure, the vision behind ōkta will continue. The team remains committed to the Willamette Valley, emphasizing regenerative farming and excellence in hospitality. This dedication ensures that the culinary spirit of ōkta will live on in the community.

Photo by Nicolas Thomas on Unsplash

Source: WineSpectator – Somni to Reopen in Los Angeles