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When "Avengers" and "Community" director Joe Russo host a party for the opening of his new Simone restaurant in downtown Los Angeles' arts district, his people come for him. Scientists Avengers Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Don Cheadle, Karen Gillan, Marisa Tomei and Pom Klementieff and Marvel Honcho Kevin Feige were among those who celebrated the debut of the bar and restaurant with Chef Jessica Largey.
"Joe is an epicurean, so that's not surprising," said Johansson of Russo's first restaurant. The star of Black Widow said that she loves the downtown scene, the restaurants and especially the art galleries.
Russo co-directors Jon Favreau, Taika Waititi and Feng Xiaogang were also present to celebrate. Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs and Yvette Nicole Brown met Russo, who made 21 episodes of the series.
Russo, whose production company with his brother Anthony Russo is located just minutes from City Market South, has become a big promoter of the area. "We wanted to be disruptive and do something different – it's called the Arts District for a reason," he said at the opening. "I love energy, what Bestia did, what they do with Bavel and Rossoblu. Some of my favorite restaurants are now in town.
Russo said he was inspired by his travels as a filmmaker to find the kind of restaurant he would like to go to. "The whole space is based on my dining experience, which means I'm lucky to travel around the world – to select my favorite experiences from around the world and combine them into one. only space.
Showing the large table in the private dining area of the jewelry box, he said, "I like round tables for large groups. In China, they have lazy Susans.
Scarlett Johansson with Iain McPherson
Getting the right bar program was a big priority for Russo. "I'm the kind of guy who does a lot of research in all areas. I will look for the best. When I was in Edinburgh, I found a cocktail bar called Panda & Sons, and it became my favorite bar in the world.
So Russo seduces Iain McPherson of Panda and Sons to create the cocktail menu, with selections like California Calling, a refined cousin of a resposado tequila margarita enriched with coconut essence and fino sherry , or Lost & Found, with rum, bramble) and sweet beet vinegar.
As for food, Russo let James Beard, winner and former head of Manresa, do his job.
"Everything I've ever eaten is amazing," he says about Largey's kitchen. "I am an artist and I wanted to protect his creative process. I am a sounding board.
Russo enjoys the immediacy of restaurants compared to the long gestation of filming. "I wanted to create a space where my extended family in Los Angeles could share good food and drinks, and have a warm and inclusive place," he said.
He is particularly excited about McPherson's mole cocktail and said, "Jessica's Caesar Salad is the best I have ever had in my life.
Californian products will play an important role in the menu, says Largey: "The LA products, I think, are by far the best in the country." Meats and seafood comes from "incredible" sources, she promised.
Largey is from Ventura, California, but did not spend much time in town. "This is one of the big dates to come back," she said. "It's exciting to meet a new part of the city, there is a very good community here."
How does she describe the food? "It's a very Californian product, centered, bright and fresh. But I prefer cooking for people rather than putting it in a box, "she said.
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