Monday, December 08, 2008

A Work in Progress

Last Sunday, Jason Bernstein called with the classic Jason opener.

"Tannaz Sassooni, what are you doing right now?"

I was in my PJ's, still in bed, IMing with a friend, but quickly threw on some clothes, grabbed my camera, and walked over to the restaurant -- I know what's good for me. Jason and our friend Jim Starr are opening The Golden State -- a new restaurant in the old Nova Express space on Fairfax -- and they were in the middle of some serious building.

When I got there, someone was replastering the storefront -- it was still half black, half white, while someone else was up on the roof, installing something really big. Jason and Jim are still haranguing with contractors, but the place is coming together.

If you use your imagination a bit, you can see how the aesthetic -- a clean white space marked by one brick wall, exposed roof beams, and a few geometric asymmetries -- will complement their simple but not dumbed-down menu (designed by chef Samir Mohajer) that includes sausage sandwiches, a burger you will not believe, Scoops (!!) ice cream (the Golden State will be the only place you can get Scoops outside Tai's original store in East Hollywood), and an awesome beer and wine list -- just the kind of spot our neighborhood needs.

I don't ask when the place is going to open anymore, because if there's anything I've learned from Jason and Jim, it's how close to impossible it is to go through the hoops necessary to open a restaurant in this town, but it's coming together in the next few months. Start getting excited now.

a little angel on the concrete wall out back, compliments of neighboring artist (and owner of the property), Harry Blitzstein

[more here at Eater LA]
[and more photos here]

6 comments:

  1. Hi Tannaz,

    Thanks for the update and pics. I'm so excited over this new eatery by folk hero Jason Bernstein; I was bummed I couldn't make it to the preview night w/ Noah.

    I can't wait to see your coverage of the Grand Opening soon. :)

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  2. I'm so happy to see a post on Golden State! I'm always curious how its going. I'm a bit fascinated with the process, even though it sounds like a pain.

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  3. I'm so ready for that freaking burger already. Do you know if nachos are on the menu? How about Bud Light?

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  4. Ooh, I will definitely be keeping my eye on this place!

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  5. yes yes, friends, it's all very exciting. i haven't stopped by the space in the last few days, but it seems to be changing and becoming more 'real' every time i drive by. so very exciting!!

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  6. Can't wait! Looks amazing! I wish that someone could cut through all the bureaucracy for them and get the place open!! :)

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