December Issue 2006

There's a Red House Over Yonder, Baby

By:Miriam Schimmel

Not to put down the nice folks who love to call the O.C. home, but most of us in L.A. would never expect a restaurant that originates behind the ‘urange Curtain” to be cool enough for us. Cast aside any such notions because Red Pearl Kitchen has arrived. This funky and eclectic Chinese restaurant opened in September, and from the food to the vibe to the decor, it appears poised to carve out a unique niche for itself in the L.A. restaurant scene.

Red Pearl Kitchen is the latest shining star from Domaine Restaurant Group and respected restaurateurs, Tim and Liza Goodell (of Aubergine, Troquet, Dakota, Village Bakery, Meson G and Twenty Five Degrees fame) The self-described “contemporary Asian cuisine with sensual elements and a hopping bar scene,” Red Pearl Kitchen is a feast for the senses. Designed by Max Schultz and Ginger Thomas, the softly lit interior is awash with red walls and orange leather booths. But it’s the kitschy decor that demands your attention: banners flowing with Chinese calligraphy, chandeliers of firecrackers and kimonos, and the piece de resistance — silk lamp shades adorning little Mao Zedong lamp bases. Don’t forget to check out the lounge with its cozy sitting areas, flat screens that air Chinese game shows and soap operas, and impossibly hip tunes grooving throughout (made even more impressive by playing bootlegged Prince tracks). And with names such as Sake to Me, Eager Ninja, Tipsy Geisha and namesake, Red Pearl (vodka, champagne and pomegranate juice), it is impossible to resist their specialty cocktails. Better yet, hit up the bar any night of the week 5 pm - 7 pm and enjoy special dim sum platters and kung fu movies.