Ketchup
We've all seen this trendy restaurant featured countless times on re-runs of The Hills & Keeping Up With the Kardashians. But is this hot spot on Sunset in West Hollywood really all that it seems to be? Well, we weren't disappointed!
My fiance' & I took a trip to LA in the Spring of '09, as one of our mini get-aways. While there, we were enticed by a glowing "Ketchup" sign on one of the buildings on the Sunset Strip. Hence, we decided to give it a try. We were greeted by a friendly hostess to the right side of the first floor, who asked for the name of the reservation.. Turns out that this isn't your average restaurant where you can come and go as you please. No, no. Reservations are to be made in advance in order to dine in their fine establishment. How did we manage to be granted a seat? We told her we were from out of town & were not aware of their regulations. After about a minute of discussion with another host, she proceeded to grant us the access and take us up a rather wide, but steep set of stairs to their dining area.
<-- our cozy table. right by a glass wall of wines...
Their atmosphere was in full effect. The dining area was full of people and their red lighting, in honor of the ketchup, gave the restaurant a fun & funky feel (and a red glow! hence the pale red hue on the pictures.) Their tables were adorned with a juicy tomato in a glass box as opposed to the usual candles at most restaurants. The walls were decked out w/ stylish modern paintings, pictures and collages of classic ketchup bottles. The entrance to the ultra lounge was splashed with a painting of ketchup splattered on the glass doors. And the large tomato-like red ball lights hung from the ceiling, finalizing the modern décor.
Ketchup, however, is known for serving up their very own brand of classic American cuisine. Now, since this was 2 yrs ago, I really can't remember all of the pricing of their entrees to the ''T'', but our total bill came up to $113, pre-tip. (Thanks to the hubby ordering us 3 mojitos at $20 a pop!) Here's a snapshot of our appetizers:
Their atmosphere was in full effect. The dining area was full of people and their red lighting, in honor of the ketchup, gave the restaurant a fun & funky feel (and a red glow! hence the pale red hue on the pictures.) Their tables were adorned with a juicy tomato in a glass box as opposed to the usual candles at most restaurants. The walls were decked out w/ stylish modern paintings, pictures and collages of classic ketchup bottles. The entrance to the ultra lounge was splashed with a painting of ketchup splattered on the glass doors. And the large tomato-like red ball lights hung from the ceiling, finalizing the modern décor.
Ketchup, however, is known for serving up their very own brand of classic American cuisine. Now, since this was 2 yrs ago, I really can't remember all of the pricing of their entrees to the ''T'', but our total bill came up to $113, pre-tip. (Thanks to the hubby ordering us 3 mojitos at $20 a pop!) Here's a snapshot of our appetizers:
I ordered a cone of parmesan fries @ an eye-popping $7, which also came w/their very own 5 signature ketchups! (the 5 yellow/red squares to the left) Were they good? They were alright. My favorite was the mango & the chipotle-flavored ketchup.
<-- As for the hubby, he ordered a 21st Century Cobb Salad, which was absolutely delicious!
For our main entree, I, being the pasta enthusiast, and he, being the grits-&-chops lover, opted for a Blackened Shrimp Pasta, and Grits & Lamb chop with a side of greens. How did it taste?Well, I have a passion for all things Pasta. And shrimp? I love that, too! The sauce was made from a white wine which gave it that superb taste. Not to mention, the andouille sausage rounds were nice & big, compared to other pastas composed of the same ingredients. I didn't try his plate, but by the looks of it, he was completely satisfied, as he cleaned his plate!
For our main entree, I, being the pasta enthusiast, and he, being the grits-&-chops lover, opted for a Blackened Shrimp Pasta, and Grits & Lamb chop with a side of greens. How did it taste?Well, I have a passion for all things Pasta. And shrimp? I love that, too! The sauce was made from a white wine which gave it that superb taste. Not to mention, the andouille sausage rounds were nice & big, compared to other pastas composed of the same ingredients. I didn't try his plate, but by the looks of it, he was completely satisfied, as he cleaned his plate!
We really enjoyed our time at Ketchup. With the hostess who went out of her way and bent the rules a little to get us a seat, to the delicious entrees, and impressing ketchup signature sauces, our overall experience was a cool 5/5. $113, pretax, pre-tip, was not so bad, considering the amount of food and beverages we had. So, next time you're in LA, be sure to check out the spot! Make a reservation first, however!
Here are a couple of pictures from our experience, and a few extra I was able to find on the web to enhance your virtual experience. Enjoy!
Here are a couple of pictures from our experience, and a few extra I was able to find on the web to enhance your virtual experience. Enjoy!
