California Cuisine is acclaimed for its use of produce that is local, seasonal and often organic, allowing diners to enjoy and appreciate the natural freshness and taste of fruits, vegetables, seafood, poultry and beef. In her 30 plus years as one of the most successful restaurateurs in the Los Angeles area, owner and executive chef Xiomara Ardolina has long believed that cooking with the best ingredients is a major reason why her restaurants have had a great following. In some ways, she was an early practitoner of the California Cuisine style cooking.
Freshness and flavors have always characterized the menus of her restaurants. “I like food that’s well-prepared and tastes good,” she explains. “I try to achieve that by using the best ingredients and fusion of flavors. Fusion is both an art and a craft and something I was exposed to in my native Cuba and then learned more formally in my French and Nuevo Latino restaurants.”
Today, her menu features the food that created a loyal following over the years and made her a celebrity chef. Diners may choose innovative Cuban and Mediterranean fusion dishes, including some that she offered on earlier menus and some that are more recent additions. Spanish-style seafood paella, crispy corn-crusted Chiliean seabass, lamb shank served in the traditional cast iron casserole, ceviche and Cuban tamal are a few of the favorites of long time customers, New to her menu are Tagliatelle with Bolognese sauce, braised Niman ranch short ribs, truffle creamy risotto, and house made gourmet pizza.
“I’m finally happy with the menu we’ve designed and updated. Many long time customers asked that I bring back the paella, lamb shank and Latin dishes, but we’re also enjoying trying new items as well. My restaurant is still for people who enjoy fine dining at an affordable price. Of course the Mojito is still the signature drink, still the most popular.”
Xiomara on Melrose is located in the Hancock Park neighborhood in Los Angeles and offers a full bar, intimate dining, banquet space for private parties, a charming Mediterranean setting and cool jazzy background music. There’s a special social hour at the bar during the week from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Come relax at the bar after work, enjoy a leisurely lunch or working lunch, or bring someone special for a romantic dinner.
Social Hour: Monday - Friday, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m
Place Categories: Bar Dining, California Cuisine, Cuban Restaurants, Cuisine, Features, Happy Hour, Happy Hour w/ Food Specials, Outside Catering, Outside Dining, Personal Wines Welcome, Private Dining and Small Plates