BarBelle Now Open at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
Beachfront Santa Monica Hotel Introduces Exciting New Restaurant and Bar, Inspired by Muscle Beach’s Original Star Performers
SANTA MONICA, CA - MARCH 10, 2017
The highly anticipated restaurant BarBelle has opened its doors within Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, a breezy beachfront hideaway located steps from the sand of one of California’s most celebrated beaches. A departure from fine dining, BarBelle brings a new spirit of hospitality to the hotel with its farm-to-table menu in an oceanfront setting. Situated within the hotel’s lobby and redesigned pool deck, BarBelle offers guests panoramic ocean and poolside views. The stylish, California-casual restaurant and bar serves up delectable dishes and signature cocktails in a friendly atmosphere featuring a gallery wall of vintage Muscle Beach photos.
The restaurant’s name, BarBelle, pays homage to two of Muscle Beach’s original star performers, Abbye ‘Pudgy’ Stockton and Les Stockton. Abbye ‘Pudgy’ Stockton was nicknamed ‘The First Lady of Iron’ and ‘The Queen of Muscle Beach.’ Also known as ‘Barbelle,’ she and her partner, Les Stockton, performed the notable ‘high press’ routine, where she famously lifted a 100-pound barbell over her head while balanced atop Les’ upstretched hands.
Serving lunch and dinner, diners can expect fresh flavors with an emphasis on the finest local ingredients. Executive Chef Zach Dallessandro’s innovative menu pairs hearty entrees with sharable plates such as salads, artisanal charcuterie, and flatbreads in a comfortable setting. Menu highlights include Grilled Mahi with Macadamia Pesto, Short Rib with Fingerlings and Baby Vegetables, Fennel Dusted Salmon, Gnocchi with Pancetta, and Bistro Skirt Steak with Frites and Chimichurri. Guests looking for something sweet can indulge in S’mores with Graham Cracker Crumble, Gianduja Ganache and Toasted Meringue and Coco Flan with Mexican Hot Chocolate. Additionally, BarBelle offers local beers on tap, a wide variety of California wines, and an extraordinary selection of nearly 40 whiskeys. The newly launched specialty cocktail menu includes Locals Only, Good Morning Manhattan Beach, The Storm of '83 and the hotel’s signature drink Flaming BarBelle, a dramatic flaming cocktail that is set ablaze right before guests’ eyes.
The restaurant space features refined décor in a playful, open-air layout, decorated in shades of soft gray blues and beachy whites. The aptly named lounge, perfectly designed with supple leather, natural wood bar stools and hanging succulents is complete with an impressive gallery wall collection of vintage Muscle Beach photos. Furnished with round white marble tables and overstuffed gray chairs throughout, BarBelle provides a setting for guests to enjoy exceptional cuisine and cocktails, all while admiring magnificent ocean views.
BarBelle is open daily from 11:30 a.m. on. For more information, please call 310.576.3180.
