Taste the Runway: Dior's Gastronomic Extravaganza Arrives in Beverly Hills
A Dazzling Introduction to Monsieur Dior's West Coast Culinary Venture
Following the recent inauguration of its Beverly Hills flagship, the esteemed luxury brand Dior marked another significant occasion: the grand debut of Monsieur Dior by Dominique Crenn. This opening signifies Dior's first foray into the restaurant scene outside its Parisian origins, attracting a distinguished gathering of guests to its exclusive preview event.
The Glittering Guest List: A Confluence of Style and Stature
Despite a packed weekend of social events in Los Angeles, the launch of Monsieur Dior saw a remarkable turnout. Personalities such as Adrien Brody, Jurnee Smollett, Tracee Ellis Ross, LaKeith Stanfield, DeAndre Jordan, Maude Apatow, Courtney Eaton, Ava Phillippe, and Alexandra Shipp, all impeccably dressed in Dior, were among the first to experience this novel establishment.
An Architectural and Horticultural Masterpiece: The Restaurant's Design
Upon entering the North Rodeo Drive location, attendees ascended a magnificent staircase to the third-floor dining area, which boasts stunning views of a meticulously designed multi-story garden, a collaboration with landscape architect Peter Wirtz. The restaurant's interior, conceived by Peter Marino, echoes the refined elegance of Dior's historic 30 Avenue Montaigne boutique, infused with a distinct Californian flair. Its airy interiors, adorned in shades of green and chartreuse, pay homage to Christian Dior's cherished gardens, while displays of Dior Maison home decor complement the contemporary aesthetic. Guests particularly admired the reissued trompe-l’œil plates by Jonathan Anderson, which had also served as invitations for his recent collection debut.
Culinary Prelude: Cocktails and Canapés Amidst Floral Grandeur
Before the main dinner, cocktails were served in the bar area, featuring a gracefully curved ebony-and-onyx counter beneath a ceiling adorned with white rose petals, a nod to Monsieur Dior’s favorite flower. The celebration then moved into the dining room, dominated by a striking 28-foot artwork by Nicole Wittenberg. The dinner commenced with a luxurious caviar service accompanied by savory buckwheat madeleines, all presented on tables elegantly set with crisp white linens, porcelain, and crystal glassware showcasing Dior’s signature Cannage pattern.
A Menu Woven with Fashion History: Dominique Crenn's Archival Inspiration
In crafting the menu, Michelin-starred chef Dominique Crenn drew profound inspiration from the Dior archives. Crenn, the sole female chef in the U.S. to hold three Michelin stars, shared her immersive research process with Vogue, emphasizing her deep dive into Dior's craftsmanship, narrative, and underlying philosophy. Her goal was to intertwine her culinary identity with the essence of Dior, transcending mere fashion to tell a deeper story.
Dishes of Distinction: Iconic Dior Moments Reimagined on the Plate
The culinary journey at Monsieur Dior is a vibrant tapestry of food and fashion, with each dish meticulously designed to echo iconic Dior milestones. Highlights include tuna tartare with purple yam chips and crème fraîche, reminiscent of Emilia Clarke's layered eggplant-hued tulle gown at Cannes in 2018; black truffle agnolotti with mushroom consommé, evoking Charlize Theron’s golden J’Adore campaign; Guinea hen with maitake mushrooms and turnip, inspired by Laetitia Casta’s shimmering gold lamé sheath from Cannes 2003; and a ribeye cap with cauliflower purée and truffle, referencing a Marilyn Monroe image from a 1962 issue of Vogue. Crenn revealed that this intricate menu was the culmination of three years of dedicated work, ensuring that \"everything is a story on the plate.\"
A Sweet Finale: The Princess Diana-Inspired Dessert
The evening culminated with a spectacular dessert that captured the essence of a runway finale: a Cannage-topped chocolate mousse, a creation by pâtissier Juan Contreras, Crenn’s longtime collaborator, designed as an homage to Princess Diana and her iconic Lady Dior bag.