Musso & Frank Grill, Hollywood California, established 1919, a little jewel still shining with a permanent Bijouxs status. This tale of Romaine Hearts with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette focuses on the seen and the unseen with, yes, a confession of a rather impolite little habit, and a recipe introducing a month of classic Bijouxs Basics.
Luck prevailed throughout my wonder years of exploring food; I was steered and guided to visit the now vanished classic bastions of great food in Los Angeles. I ate my way through a Bijouxs of restaurants, still satisfied by the food memories, but now missing the authentic, consistent dining experience these establishments provided. I loved the theater of the Seafood Tower & Banana Crème Cake at Chasen’s, the buttery goodness of Sand Dabs at Scandia, freshly made fruit sorbet at Ma Masion and just grabbing a perfectly chopped Cobb Salad at the Brown Derby, just lucky I was.
Bijouxs advice, try to visit Musso & Frank Grill, the great classic Los Angeles restaurant and experience a classic history-filled Bijouxs, a true little jewel, a restaurant still operating with white table cloths and all the trimmings.
Now for the tale. I had been dining at Musso & Franks Grill for more than few years, scouring the menu upon each visit, but one night, a spectacular plate glided past our table“What was that?” I asked out loud. My eyes had feasted on a beautifully simple salad, a large wedge of romaine lettuce, drenched in vinaigrette, chunky and laden with blue cheese. It was not on the menu, unseen, but it was too late, it had now become seen.
Now to the (my) rather impolite habit, I kept my eye focused on the trusted waiter delivering the prized plate and as with all great waiters he caught my glance and came over to our table. Of course, I inquired about the salad, “No, that salad was not on the menu just simply ask for it.” Ever since that day, whether it’s a meal of celebration or a quick lunch at Musso & Frank, the Romaine Hearts with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette makes its way to my table, usually accompanied by a more than ample supply of sourdough bread.
Bijouxs version of this classic salad involves taking some liberties, with the addition of rustic herb and garlic infused croutons, but all in all this simple, classily inspired salad’s spirit lives on and of course I always order it when dining at Musso & Frank Grill, a little jewel still shining since 1919.
Romaine Hearts with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette, another simple everyday Bijouxs from the kitchen.
As always, enjoy. B
I can walk to Musso from my house and often do. This sort of salad is exactly the kind of classic eats I expect from M&F GREG
Greg, you are so lucky! OK, then let’s walk over and grab that salad sometime-love classic Hollywood. Thanks from Bijouxs!
i haven’t been to M&F in years. it was a late, late night hangout for the much younger rippler! this salad is gorgeous in every way…delicioso!
Love a simple dinner party with this salad, steak on the grill, baked potato and finish with an apple crisp (see Bijouxs No. 16) You are never too old for M&F Grill. Thank you!
I am embarrassed to admit it, but after hearing about Musso’s for all these years, I have still never been there. What a gorgeous jewel you uncovered! Now the word is out about that salad!
It’s worth popping in for the salad with a big loaf of sourdough! Thank you Lentil!