Linden Restaurant: A Cultural Encounter in the Heart of Los Angeles
A Location that Reflects Cultural Identity and Heritage
Linden Restaurant, located on Sunset Boulevard, is not just a dining space; it reflects cultural depth and identity. It is run by a team with extensive experience in hospitality and entertainment. All of them are Black, giving it a community-driven dimension that genuinely represents stories from often marginalized backgrounds.
From New York to Los Angeles: A Shift in Geography and Culture
The team previously launched Chopped Cheese in New York, reviving a symbolic dish tied to Harlem’s bodega culture. Linden’s concept followed. It can be interpreted as a multi-layered tribute to New York cuisine. The restaurant’s name is inspired by Linden Boulevard, a street that runs through diverse neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens.
A Fusion of Cultures in the Kitchen
Far from being limited to traditional American cuisine, Linden blends elements of Caribbean, Afro-American, and South Asian cooking. This reflects a deep understanding of the city’s diversity and immigrant history.
Between the Past and the Present: The Ambiance
As for the atmosphere, the restaurant offers a New York-inspired experience. It combines a visual and architectural renewal that provides visitors with familiarity and modernity.
The Aesthetics of the Space: When Details Tell a Story
A Design that Reflects a Collective Memory
Designer Alahna Jid drew inspiration from classic New York restaurants. These are known for their emotional details and personal possessions that have accumulated over time. Instead of cold, modern designs, the team focused on creating an environment filled with nostalgia and history.
A Journey in Search of Meaning in Objects
In pursuit of this vision, Jid undertook meticulous research to select decorative pieces. Each piece carries stories and histories within them. From antiqued mirrors to vintage golden frames, each element was chosen to be part of a cohesive visual narrative.
Walls as Pages from a Photographic History
The walls of the restaurant are adorned with images documenting significant moments in Black history. Alongside these are visual symbols that refer to New York. A highlight is a custom-designed 3D map of the city, representing a place that continues to inspire cultural identities, even in the farthest reaches of the American West.
A Multi-Faceted Experience in One Space
A Thoughtful Layout that Enhances Diversity
While the interior space of Linden Restaurant is described as intimate, its intelligent design offers visitors three distinct types of experiences. This caters to diverse needs, ranging from formal to casual.
The Bar: An Informal Gathering Under Brick Arches
The bar is nestled beneath elegant white brick arches, giving it a warm, classic vibe. It is the perfect spot for those seeking a light gathering with a drink like the Vesper Martini. This is served alongside house-made pickled vegetables, adding a touch of authenticity and freshness.
The Dining Hall: An Open Space for Socializing
The main dining hall is designed to accommodate groups and families. The table layout promotes interaction and sharing, providing a sense of comfort and belonging.
The Back Corner: Privacy for Intimate Gatherings
For those seeking quiet or more private moments, the hidden back corner offers the ideal table. It is perfect for a romantic evening or a reflective session away from noise.
A Culinary Journey: Every Dish Tells a Story
Chef Jonathan Harris: Cooking as a Form of Personal Expression
The brunch and dinner menus crafted by Chef Jonathan Harris offer a unique experience. They transport you to significant moments in his personal and professional life. Each dish on these menus reflects a life story. They blend personal memories with cultural influences that have shaped his career.
Culinary Roots: From Long Island to the World
Harris grew up in Long Island, New York. He comes from a family of chefs with a lineage dating back three generations. His dishes serve as a tribute to the places and flavours that have influenced him. They also honour the people who played a role in shaping his professional identity.
Wagyu Dish: Creativity Inspired by History
One of Harris’s standout dishes is the Wagyu pie. It is made with flaky pastry filled with pulled Wagyu tail meat, served with a spiced banana sauce. This pie is not just a dish but a creative embodiment of Jamaica’s independence from Britain in 1962. It reflects the chef’s ability to weave historical events into a culinary experience.
A Fusion of Cultures: Chef Harris’s Dishes That Tell Culinary Stories
Shrimp with Polenta: A Blend of the American South and Italy
Among the dishes that showcase Chef Jonathan Harris’s talent for blending flavors is the Shrimp with Polenta. It combines the Southern American style of preparing “shrimp and grits” with the traditional Italian polenta. This fusion is not just a meal. It is a celebration of comfort food, merging different cultures in an innovative way.
Southern Fried Chicken: The Flavor of Family and History
The Southern Fried Chicken takes on a new form with pickled beet onions served over smoked cabbage purée with turkey. This dish is inspired by his father’s famous recipe, “HotLanta”. It offers a mix of family traditions and distinctive flavors that tell the story of Southern food culture.
“Breaking Bread”: A Fusion of Comforting Flavors
In another creation, Harris presents a dish called “Breaking Bread”. It serves as a melting pot of diverse flavors. This dish consists of house-made cornbread, herb focaccia, and a spiced bagel. These are served with fried chicken butter, schmaltz cream cheese, and seasoned olive oil. It is the perfect blend of flavors, creating a warm and comforting dining experience.
Drinks: A New York Story in Every Sip
King Cole Old Fashioned: A Tribute to American History
Even the drink menu at Linden reflects New York’s unique character by blending history with flavors. One of the standout drinks is the “King Cole Old Fashioned”. It is inspired by the famous bar at the St. Regis Hotel. It is prepared using Uncle Nearest whiskey, a drink that honours Nathan “Nearest” Green. He was a formerly enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel the art of distilling. This drink serves as a historical tribute. It shines a light on an important figure in American distilling history.
L.I.R.R.: A Blend of Fun and History
Another drink, “L.I.R.R.,” mixes playful touches with New York history. It is a fun twist on the classic Long Island Iced Tea. This drink takes its name from the Long Island Rail Road, which shares the same moniker. It embodies the lively and vibrant spirit that defines New York City. The drink offers visitors an unforgettable experience in every sip.
