Fig & Olive Celebrates Melrose Place Launch With a Trio of Parties

Fig & Olive’s Melrose Place location celebrated its opening this week with three consecutive launch parties. Each party had a different theme with accompanying culinary menus centered around Spanish, French and Italian dishes.

The March 2nd soiree was titled “An Evening in Italy.” The night kicked off with a line that wrapped around the building as guests watched the red carpet arrivals. Once inside and out of Wednesday’s pesky rain, attendees were handed glasses of champagne by Moët & Chandon. Waiters walked around with trays of Italian-inspired hors d’oeuvres such as pesto and pine nut Orecchiette, prosciutto and assorted crostini, ricotta stuffed tomatoes, parmesan risotto, octopus salad, and sliced veal. Dessert selections included fresh Madeleine cookies, strawberry gelato, and chocolate pot de crème.

A menu of creative cocktails, champagne, and wine by the glass kept guests company while mingling on the dining room floor. Fig & Olive resident DJ Julien Nolan spun music from St. Tropez while models showed off fashion by Fendi and Angelenos admired Lamborghini cars on display.

Among those in attendance were Michelin-star chefs Sebastien Chambru (Le Moulin de Mougins in Mougins, France) and Serge Gouloumès (Le Mas Candille on the French Riviera) who were personally invited by Fig & Olive Executive Chef Pascal Lorange to assist in preparation of the cuisine for all three nights. The renowned chefs, along with the Mayor of Mouglins, personally extended an invitation for California’s top chefs and culinary masterminds to attend the September 2011 “Les Etoiles de Mougins,” an annual gathering of the best chefs around the world in the South of France.

Also at the event was restaurateur and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Vanderpump and her husband Ken Todd (Giggy, the infamous Pomeranian, was not in attendance).

Fig & Olive is an acclaimed New York-based kitchen and tasting bar with an emphasis on pairing superior olive oils with flavors of the Riviera and Coastal regions of the south of France, Italy, and Spain.

“From a sweet and delicate olive oil from the French Riviera that pairs well with a Steamed Lemon Sole Papillote to an assertive Spanish Picual or a Tuscan olive oil that holds its own with Seared Salmon with Fennel and Green Olives, and a green-fruit Provence olive oil that we serve with a Green Apple Sorbet - our cuisine along with an elegant white, green and terra-cotta décor immerse our guests into the essence of the Mediterranean region in which I grew up,” says founder Laurent Halasz.

Entrees range from $17-$45 and include Grilled Branzino glazed with a Fig and 18-year Balsamic Vinegar; Porcini & Gorgonzola Jamon Iberico Ravioli finished with Porcini Olive Oil; Lemon Sole Papillote finished with an unctuous Arbequina Olive Oil; and Provence Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops finished with Rosemary Garlic Olive Oil. A tasting bar and communal table provides diners with the opportunity to enjoy shareable selections such as the Zucchini Carpaccio; a Fig Gorgonzola Tartlet, a Trio of Crostini, or an assorted selection of imported charcuterie, cheese, olives, ceviche, and tartar, all served with freshly baked Olive Oil Fougasse Bread. For the dessert seekers, Pastry Chef Andrew has created a menu with selections like Warm Marzipan Cake served with Olive Oil Gelato.

Fig & Olive Melrose Place is currently open to the public for dinner. The outdoor patio and a full lunch dining menu are set to launch on Monday, March 21 st . 

Fig & Olive Melrose Place

8490 Melrose Place

West Hollywood, CA 90069

310.360.9100

www.figandolive.com