Moonlark's Dinette, a new establishment from chef Chris Pandel in partnership with Boka Restaurant Group, is set to open on today, November 1, in downtown Los Angeles. The diner finds its home in the Hoxton hotel, aiming to offer comforting and nostalgic dishes that draw on Pandel's Midwestern roots, as reported by LA Eater.
Reflecting the traditions of Midwestern diners and supper clubs, the menu will showcase classic dishes with a fresh twist. This represents a departure from Pandel’s customary focus on high-end steakhouses, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Moonlark's Dinette to indulge in the everyday cuisine is he grew up enjoying near his Chicago suburb of Riverside.
The daytime menu boasts a variety of sandwiches and classic diner offerings. Highlights include a tuna salad on challah, a sweet and savory Monte Cristo sandwich, and a traditional New Jersey Taylor ham, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich on a homemade English muffin, as per LA Eater.
The evening menu intends to transport diners to a Wisconsin supper club with small plates like baked brie, shrimp cocktails, vegetable crudites, and larger dishes such as grilled spareribs and Texas toast-style challah garlic bread. Evening service will start on November 8th, allowing LA diners to experience Midwestern comfort food in their own city.
The dessert menu, curated by Hoxton's culinary operations director Kristine Antonian, includes indulgent selections like cheesecake topped with strawberry jam and rich slices of chocolate cake, according to LA Eater.
Moonlark's drink offerings, organized by beverage manager Chris Maxwell, combines old-school and contemporary cocktails such as the vintage grasshopper made with creme de menthe. Guests can also expect a curated selection of wines, beers, and ciders to pair with their meals.
Chef Pandel, working with a dedicated team that includes chef de cuisine Aneliese Merlino, is already planning to adjust the menu in response to local produce and regional growing seasons. The team's goal is to consistently offer new twists on Moonlark's comfort food menu.
Invoking the success of other Midwestern-inspired establishments in Los Angeles such as Birdie G's and Agnes, Moonlark's Dinette looks set to provide a nostalgic dining experience in downtown LA, as noted by LA Eater. Mark your calendar tomorrow to visit Moonlark's Dinette at the Hoxton, 1060 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015, open from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Expanded evening hours, 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., begin November 8.
