Freds at Barneys New York - Sunset Sips & Bites Over Beverly Hills

It's been more than 10 years since I'd visited the restaurant (formerly Barney Greengrass) inside Barneys New York in Beverly Hills.  The place has been completely replaced by Freds last October, a modern, sleek, open space with outdoor balcony seating, overlooking some of the most expensive real estate in the city, yet with an unexpectedly laid back vibe.

Today they launched a Sunset Menu, consisting of late afternoon snacks to pair with California inspired cocktails

I love that as a part of this menu they also offer fresh, house made juices including the Orange is the New Black (orange, carrot, ginger, turmeric) ($9) or Green Jeans (apple, spinach, kale, cucumber, celery, romaine, ginger), and some can even be spiked with your choice of spirit, the better to enable you to justify your liquor intake as being 'better for you' (could this become our new favorite way to 'juice')?

We were able to also sample some of their food offerings at a preview, including classic staples like tuna tartare, and dishes inspired by LA's fantastic farmers markets (one of their many flatbread options will be a special based on finds from Santa Monica Farmers Market).

But the unanimous favorite at our table was the steaming Robiola with Truffle Oil Pizza.  I'm not normally a fan of truffle oil, but it works with this delicious cheese bread 'pizza' that's fresh from the oven - it will take willpower stronger than mine to resist snacking on basket after basket of these (yes, we did shamelessly ask for second rounds, actually). Another standout was one of the three dipping sauces that accompany the Pommes Frites: Calypso sauce made with cognac and orange juice.

Prices are also pretty reasonable considering the location on the 5th floor of a luxury goods store in the middle of Beverly Hills: flatbreads are $16-$21, and the fairly generously portioned tuna tartare is $19.

The Sunset Menu is served 3pm-7pm Thursdays-Saturdays and 3pm-6pm

 Mondays-Wednesdays and Sundays.  

At the fairly affordable prices (for Beverly Hills), and lesser known (for now) location - this could be a great option for a late afternoon / early evening escape from LA rush hour - a place to unwind with coworkers, retreat to a quiet corner to discuss that all-important deal, or micro-analyze the latest episode of the Real Housewives over some sips, bites above the fray of Wilshire / Santa Monica / Beverly.
Regular menu also served lunch daily and brunch on weekends.

*Disclaimer: this meal was hosted.
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Freds
Barneys New York
9570 Wilshire Blvd, 5th Floor
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Ph: 310.777.5877

Website: barneys.com

Look for reservations (and rewards points!) at OpenTable.

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