There’s another hangout on the westside, thanks to the debut of part restaurant-part-watering hole Brilliantshine in Santa Monica. Opened by Lima, Peru native Chef Richie Lopez (of Paichẽ) and mixologists Julian Cox and Josh Goldman, the vintage-inspired tavern is aptly named for a bronze sign they single-handedly plucked from the Pasadena Flea Market that hangs above an outdoor patio dotted with white lights. A pair of old west-style wooden salon doors marks the entrance of what was once Renee’s Courtyard, while exposed brick walls, and copper tables line the outdoor area. Inside, an antique upright piano resides in the rustic dining room, and restroom walls are layered with old-black-and-white photos of Hollywood icons.

The menu here changes daily and ranges from hearty Maine lobster rice with uni and puffed rice to quinoa salad with watermelon radish and lemon dressing, bok choy with tomato and cauliflower, and duck leg with Peruvian spices, rice, and quail egg. For dessert, order the s’mores (served summer camp-style atop smoky parchment paper), and don’t forget to try the cocktails: the Country Life with bourbon Jamaican rum, sweet vermouth, and angostura, and the refreshing Passion Fruit Ricky with vodka fresh passion fruit, lime, and seltzer.

By Jennie Nunn

 

Pictured: Brilliantshine
Photo By: Andy Keilen

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