The essence of the “California Club” is making a comeback with the anticipated arrival of 41 Ocean, a members only dining club, slated to open on the Westside on January 25, 2013. Co-developers Jeremy Umland and Max Russo have enlisted Top Chef star Chris Crary (Season 9) to create the seasonal SoCal menu as Executive Chef, with mixologist Noah Ellis (Red Medicine, Michael Mina restaurant group) handling the beverage side by fusing classic cocktails with contemporary techniques.
In The Neighborhood: The historic La Mesa Landmark Estate in Santa Monica is an easy drive away from the 41 Ocean Club, down San Vincente and onto Ocean.
» View 2009 La Mesa Drive
Set in a secluded courtyard with views of the Santa Monica coast, 41 Ocean is reminiscent of those Golden Age of Hollywood private-club days complete with period furniture and fixtures and high wood-beamed ceilings. The interior space has been completely gutted and transformed into a Colonial Spanish Revival, befitting for the style of building in which it will reside.
There to orchestrate the space was interior designer Matt Winter, who specializes in restaurants and bar design and knows a thing or two about creating environments that make you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time to a different era. In defense of old pieces, Winter recently told Eater LA, “They have a story, a history that you want. It helps deliver the message of my style, which is eclectic and Old World, using the antiques to tell a new story for these new businesses.”
41 Ocean will also feature a cocktail lounge, piano bar, performance stage, and a screening room. We can be sure to expect guest chef pop-up dinners, including fellow Top Chef friends and colleagues, as well as live performances by talented artists and late night DJs. But first, what are two items on your bucket list? Just one of the questions you should be prepared to answer if you want to be a member of this exclusive dining club.
41 Ocean
1541 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica
(310) 500-8568
