Since 1919, the sign says. Hollywood’s oldest restaurant, outlasting the other greats like the Derby and Chasens, Musso and Frank hasn’t changed much in the last 93 years – except for the prices. Name a historic Hollywood writer or literary figure and chances are, they’ve tipped a few at the bar.
As for me, it’s been one of my top three favorite restaurants in the world, since I was first taken there in the 80s. Now, each time my travels take me to Los Angeles, I have at least one meal at M&F.
The occasion this time was a gathering of friends during one of my business trips.
I was in the mood for “plan and simple classic”, while the ladies wanted to slam down a few of the (reportedly) best martinis in the world. Having seen the bill (and quantity consumed), they must have been pretty OK.
I started with the classic appetizer, “Stuffed celery,” which are stalks of celery slathered with a blue cheese concoction, sprinkled with paprika. At about a buck and a quarter a half stalk, undoubtedly the world’s most expensive celery, but who cares?
Service was over the top, as always, and the plates on the table ranged from a ribeye, to crab louis, mushroom ravioli, and lobster ravioli.
And me, I had a dull roasted turkey sandwich. But they cut the crusts off the bread, if you find that exciting!
Want to be an insider? Ask for a “basked of butts” when you sit down.
Musso and Frank is great for a date night, and to ogle movie stars, vintage and current. There’s almost always someone you’ll recognize sitting nearby.
Lunch for five, with a cocktail each? About $250 with tip.
Menu is online.
