Introducing Written Hand, the newest culinary pop-up at Ever Bar in the Kimpton Everly Hollywood, which transforms the beloved bar and lounge into a Mediterranean-inspired hotspot right in the heart of the city. This new dining experience celebrates the spirit of communal dining, seasonal flavors, and social connections through inventive food and drinks and a relaxed yet lively atmosphere. Led by Executive Chef Ashley Thompson, the menu highlights local partnerships with farmers and fishermen, offering a fresh Southern California interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine.
“At Kimpton Everly Hollywood, we strive to create experiences that feel both unique and immersive,” says Benjamin Palmer, General Manager of Kimpton Everly Hollywood. “The Written Hand pop-up brings that vision to life by transforming Ever Bar into a vibrant gathering space where great food, drinks, and conversations come together. From our talented Executive Chef Ashley Thompson’s dishes to acclaimed mixologist Naomi Schimek’s cocktails, this is a truly special experience we are excited to share with our community and guests.”
Written Hand completely reimagines Ever Bar at Kimpton Everly Hollywood into a space that is both edgy and inviting. Drawing inspiration from the eclectic, creative spirit of neighboring Los Feliz, Written Hand seamlessly blends into the larger living room to create a social, immersive ambiance that encourages guests to linger throughout the day and into the evening. Playful plates, bold design elements, and vibrant décor that reflect Los Angeles’ cultural heartbeat, making the pop-up a dynamic expression of the city’s artistic energy right in the heart of Hollywood.
Chef Ashley Thompson’s menu at Written Hand focuses on creating a dynamic shared dining experience, with each dish designed to foster interaction and discovery. The dishes reflect the perfect blend of Mediterranean flavors and Southern California’s freshest ingredients. Guests can enjoy shared plates, creative aperitifs, and tableside service from a sherry and vermouth cart, elevating the social dining experience.
Menu highlights include Ono Winter Crudo with tangerine, Meyer lemon and cold-pressed lemon oil; Head-on Prawns with smoked orange chermoula, torn bread; A Tinned Fish Selection, served with harred sourdough, heirloom pickles, whipped sea moss butter; Compressed Weiser Farms Melon, with duck prosciutto, charred figs and whipped feta; and Braised Lamb Neck, served with toasted fregola, root vegetables and mint gremolata. The showstopper of the menu is the Grilled Bluefin Tuna Collar—a large-format dish that is both delicious and Instagrammable, marinated with harissa rub and paired with candysnap lemon.
“The ultimate goal in creating this menu was to combine local ingredients that are at their peak and present them to guests in a unique form, but also in a way that encourages stepping out of one’s comfort zone,” says Ashley Thompson, Executive Chef at Kimpton Everly Hollywood. “I truly believe that cooking for people and enjoying a meal together is the best way to express love, and the act of sharing these dishes with friends and family is such an intimate, personal experience. I hope our guests feel that way then dine with us.”
At the helm of the beverage program is acclaimed mixologist Naomi Schimek, an industry veteran with more than three decades of experience in cocktail innovation. Known for her experience as Beverage Director at The Spare Room at the Hollywood Roosevelt, Schimek earned recognition for curating highly creative and meticulously executed cocktail menus, earning multiple nominations at the Spirited Awards. Schimek brings her extensive expertise to Written Hand, designing a beverage program that seamlessly complements Chef Thompson’s Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Her creations incorporate experimental techniques such as evaporative infusion limoncello with suspended Meyer lemons and vibrant aperitifs designed to keep the mood light and playful.
Guests can explore a selection of refreshing Mediterranean-inspired aperitifs, such as Tinto de Verano (red wine and Sicilian lemonade) and Moletto Tomato Gin with Mediterranean tonic, basil, capers, and lemon. A tableside sherry and vermouth cart offers an interactive guest experience. Additionally, non-alcoholic wines, cocktails, and beers provide inclusive options for all guests.
