Hotel Bel-Air ushers in a new culinary chapter with Joe Garcia

HOTEL BEL-AIR, The Dorchester Collection’s Los Angeles five-star luxury hotel has just unveiled its latest exciting venture. Having just appointed Joe Garcia as its new culinary director, Hotel Bel-Air is tapping into the Michelin-star chef’s wealth of expertise to reimagine The Restaurant’s menu.

Hotel Bel-Air The Restaurant

Speaking on Garcia’s appointment, Christophe Moje, Hotel Bel-Air’s general manager, said: “We’re thrilled for chef Garcia to join the team. His extensive knowledge of the industry and his proven track record of success make him the ideal candidate to lead the hotel’s food and beverage team to new heights, marking an exciting chapter in the culinary evolution of the Hotel Bel-Air. We are confident in his new position, our dining experiences and new outlets will continue to exceed the expectations of our guests.”

The Restaurant with Joe Garcia

Considered one of Hollywood’s most prestigious chefs, it’s no surprise that Garcia’s interest in local, organic produce will further elevate The Restaurant’s already impressive dishes.

From working as a sous chef at The French Laundry – a 3-Michelin-star restaurant in Northern California – to serving up hot dishes at Bouchon, Boca Restaurant and many more, it’s evident that the culinary director knows how to deliver luxury gastronomic experiences.

The Restaurant with Joe Garcia

With new signature dishes making an appearance, such as crispy skin Loup de Mer served on fingerling potatoes, braised leeks, baby Tokyo turnips and an emulsion made with Madeira wine and black truffles from Perigord, a refined Bluefin tuna crudo accompanied by local avocado, purple ninja radishes and ponzu sauce, and Colorado lamb chops paired with white cauliflower puree, saffron and poached sultanas, the menu is full of mouth-watering mains.

However, it’s not only The Restaurant undergoing an inspiring transformation. Hotel Bel-Air will also be opening two new culinary concepts – The Living Room and The Patisserie.

Designed by Champalimaud Design, the new space centres itself around a quintessential lobby lounge experience. The lobby and reception area will be adorned with flora and fauna embellishments to pay homage to the hotel’s surrounding wildlife.

Guests can enjoy an afternoon tea or an evening cocktail whilst bathing in the warm glow from The Living Room’s fireplace. The renovation brings with it new small places, caviar service and an extra special martini/champagne cart.

The Restaurant with Joe Garcia

Meanwhile, for those eager to try some French-inspired pastries, The Patisserie will be an immediate hit. Launching on June 1st and helmed by pastry chef and “U.S Chocolate Master” Christophe Rull, the culinary outlet will offer a selection of freshly baked breads, cakes, speciality coffees and refreshing teas.

by Sophie Richardson

Reservations for The Restaurant can be made here. The Living Room and The Patisserie will launch on the 1st of June, 2024.

The Living Room will be open for service Wednesday through Sunday from 3 – 10 pm. Afternoon Tea will be served on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with seatings at 3 pm and 3:30 pm. The Patisserie will be open from 7 am to 12 pm daily.