The popular Los Angeles–based Greenleaf Kitchen & Cocktails has debuted two destination-worthy dining concepts at the newly opened, mid-century inspired Hyatt Place LAX / Century Blvd and Hyatt House LAX / Century Blvd. The new restaurants aim to bring chef-driven, locally inspired dining experiences to the LAX market.
When developer Aaron Schock first had the idea to revitalize a historic building at LAX and turn it into a destination hotel, he knew it would have to stand out from the typical airport hotel experience. He not only wanted to pay homage to the building’s mid-century origins through design choices and amenities, but he also wanted to incorporate elements of Los Angeles for guests to feel as if they had experienced the city, even if they never left the airport district. Knowing one way to accomplish this was through dining, Schock called on his good friend, Jonathan Rollo, restauranteur and “commander-in-leaf” of Greenleaf Kitchen & Cocktails. A popular L.A. brand committed to farm-to-table philosophy of “Eat Well, Live Well,” Greenleaf was a natural choice for creating concepts to attract travelers and locals alike. Helmed by Greenleaf’s executive chef, David Blake Clevenger, Greenleaf has launched their signature restaurant on the hotels’ ground floor and their first upscale dining concept, ShoresLAX, on the rooftop terrace, to corner the market on airport dining at LAX and beyond.
Perched poolside on the hotels’ 15th floor rooftop, with a chic bohemian vibe and sweeping views from the LAX runways to downtown L.A., ShoresLAX offers chef-driven dishes and cocktails that reflect Southern California’s plentiful bounty of ingredients and pay homage to the melting pot of cultures that make it unique. Guests enjoy dishes such as Seasonal Street Tacos and Grilled Fish Tacos with mahi-mahi, avocado, mango salsa, and chipotle crema; S.L.O. Cooked Chicken with figs, pistachios, apricots, heirloom root vegetables, quinoa, and Greek yogurt; grilled New York strip with avocado salad and garlic fries; and short rib with butternut squash & farro risotto. Dishes are paired perfectly with locally inspired cocktails like the Playa del Penicillin with scotch, ginger, honey, lemon, and vanilla bean; the El Matarita with tequila, lime, and cucumber, and the On Malibu Thyme with rum, thyme, lemon, and fig preserves. Ideal for a date night or an afternoon cocktail while watching planes arrive and depart, the restaurant is open for happy hour and dinner, with weekend brunch coming soon.
In addition to ShoresLAX, the restaurant group has opened its signature concept, Greenleaf Kitchen & Cocktails, on the ground floor of the hotels, bringing fan favorites as well as new items catering to transient guests. Whether travelers are on their way to the airport, staying on property, or a local popping by for lunch, Greenleaf offers elevated dining with its wholesome fare, an extensive number of items for takeaway, and craft cocktails using house-made ingredients, all from their serene indoor/outdoor dining space. Signature favorites include the LA LA Bowl with organic quinoa, balsamic vinaigrette, avocado, black beans, tomatoes, corn, kale, vegan ranch, and vegan nacho aioli; Almond-Crusted Paleo Chicken Fingers with avocado pesto and nacho aioli; Spicy Avocado Vegan Burger with vegan tomato cayenne chao cheese, avocado, tomato, arugula, garlic aioli, and pickled jalapeños; and the Antioxidant Salad with grapes, celery, walnuts, berries, apples, mint, cucumber, and pomegranate vinaigrette.
