The Stinking Rose

The Stinking Rose
“A Garlic Restaurant”

Location: 55 N. La Cienega, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Type of Food: American-Italian
Price Range: about $25.00 per person
Date Potential: Impressive and unique, but you’ll smell like garlic for at least 2 days afterwards
Website: www.thestinkingrose.com
All you have to do is follow your nose to The Sticking Rose, where they “season their garlic with food.” This truly unique and entertaining dining experience will have you wanting to come back again and again. Although I have tried all along to you bring you local restaurants around the Riverside area, I absolutely have to tell you about this hidden treasure found in Beverly Hills and hope that it stirs up some curiosity and some of you may actually check it out.
As you arrive at The Stinking Rose and stop under the covered parking, a valet attendant opens your door and parks your car for you, I felt as though I had gone back in time and was visiting Hollywood in a different era. I actually had no idea what to expect and was completely blown away by the hospitality and décor The Stinking Rose has to offer.
Guests can enjoy treat after garlicky treat in any of the restaurant’s whimsical dining rooms. Garlic breads are strewn throughout the establishment and festive murals depict a garlic bulb’s view of Garllywood. I learned that there are at lest 2,635 bulbs of garlic, decorating every conceivable nook and cranny.
Not only is the restaurant a must see for décor reasons, the food is amazing too. I was a bit standoffish at first, at the thought of eating food with whole garlic gloves, but again I was fabulously surprised. I recommend starting out with the Bagna Calda—garlic soaking in a hot tub—this scrumptious appetizer is garlic cloves, oven-roasted in extra virgin olive oil and butter with a hint of anchovy. It’s a wonderful treat for spreading on their house-baked focaccia bread.
For the entrée, I went with the Neon Raviolis—filled with potato and cheese, topped with garlic basil Alfredo sauce. This is a marvelous dish for first timers, it’s not too intimidating and you pretty much know what to expect. Although the pasta is delicious, The Stinking Rose also offers fish, prime rib, chicken, lamb, etc. all cooked in a variety of ways and fantastic I am sure.
For desert, wouldn’t you know it; they have garlic ice cream available. Although this probably doesn’t sound too appetizing you absolutely have to try it, much to my surprise, it was pretty good.
So, follow your nose to The Stinking Rose, and have a stinking good time!