Fine Californian Dining With An Asian Influence

At the bustling center of Hollywood lies the behemoth that is Hollywood and Highland. The center was inspired by the sets of D.W. Griffith's 1916 classic "Intolerance" and its' 2001 opening marked a rebirth of Hollywood. For locals, it can be considered an easy one-stop shopping center comprised of retail stores, movie theaters, a bowling alley, and night clubs- there's something for everyone. For tourists, it is quintessential Los Angeles: the home of the Academy Awards, walking distance to Grauman's Chinese Theater and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It also houses the aptly named Renaissance Hotel.

The bright reds and blues of the hotel lobby and the retro 60's furniture mix with the terrazzo floors, Zen rock garden, and steel accents in the way that the history and glamour of old Hollywood has come to mix with the brighter, sleeker newer Hollywood. Completing this old meets new motif is, Twist, a unique Los Angeles restaurant proudly housed on the mezzanine level of the twenty- story hotel.

From Sushi To Barbeque

Twist serves an elegant California style menu with a notable Asian influence. In addition to an outstanding menu, what really sets it apart is that it successfully mixes fine dining with a comfortable accessibility. Dishes are served on oversized plates and placed in the middle of the table while each diner is given a glass leaf-shaped "share" plate. Not only does this enable customers to experience more than one of the chef's creations, but as was Chef Thorsten Leighty's (formerly of the Patina Group) aim, it also lends itself to a more social atmosphere. Dishes include crab cakes, Thai barbeque pork, satays and even tenderloin with foie gras. Tuesday through Saturday fresh sushi is also available along with a collection of some of the world's finest choices in sake.

The lounge of the restaurant is available for cocktails and appetizers. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the main dining room. During the day, this room is decorated with white linens giving the room a lighter feel that, in the evening, is elegantly transformed with black linens and striking silver chopsticks. "Artichoke lamps" designed by famed Danish lamp designer extraordinaire cast an alluring lighting on a dramatic backdrop of deep red curtains, chandeliers, hardwood floors, and glass display cases. Come dine at Twist, a Hollywood restaurant, and experience a new taste in fine dining.