Michael Mina and SBE's XIV, Rendered

It's just weeks away from opening and we finally have some idea of what SBE and Michael Mina's new XIV will look like, of course designed by Philippe Starck. Driving by this weekend we noticed lots of boxes inside, new plants on the patio, all sorts of finishing touches. XIV marks Mina's return to LA---his career began at the Hotel Bel-Air, and his restaurant group now operates 13 restaurants across the country---joining the growing list of celebrity chefs all of a sudden descending on our local scene (Colicchio, Batali, English, Andres, Keller). At AWFF last weekend, he explained his menu to us thusly: It's small plates but not in a sharing-tapas way, more so you can choose your own meal, your own tasting menu (a few more details here). We're not sure how that's different from any small plates menu, but it sounds good on paper. The official debut is October 16, and reservation lines are now open (323.656.1414).
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