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“Lose Yourself” in This Culinary Experience

“Lose Yourself” in this culinary experience… Esteemed food critic, Diana De La Torre reviews new West Hollywood restaurant, Shady’s Place.

A new year, a new restaurant. Eminem themed restaurant, Shady’s Place, opened it’s doors to the public on January 1st, 2016. Located in trendy West Hollywood, Shady’s Place was welcomed by most, picketed by others. Opening day, a line awaiting the restaurant doors to open stretched over 2 city blocks. One anxious patron said, “ Finally, a little piece of Detroit is coming to Hollywood!” Another soon-to-be costumer said she had been waiting in line since 3 am. But not all were as pleased to see an Eminem themed restaurant open in their neighborhood. Local club-goer, Dillion Jones said, “Everyone knows that West Hollywood is the go-to place for homosexual night life. People feel safe and free to be themselves here. It is beyond my why an openly gay-bashing rapper would want to open a restaurant on our turf.”

Restaurant owner and head chef, Phil “Machine” Montoya, stated months before the restaurant’s opening that, “Shady’s Place is in no way owned, promoted or endorsed by rapper, Eminem. In fact, we’re not even sure he knows about it. All we wanted to do was celebrate the rappers life and bring some of 8 Mile to LA.” When we reached out to Eminem and his team about his thoughts on the upcoming restaurant, we simply received, “No comment.” But let’s put all the turmoil aside for now and take a step inside Montoya’s creation, Shady’s Place. From the outside, it looks like someone has parked their trailer on the curb and forgotten to pay the meter for 15 years. Restaurant designer, Sasha Norton said she and Montoya worked closely to make sure that even from the sidewalk, Shady’s Place made you stop and think, “We’re not in Hollywood anymore.” Step inside, and you’re simply in awe of the personal detail from floor to ceiling. Intimate photos from Eminem’s life cover the walls, from family portraits to baby photos of his daughter, Hailey. A replica of Eminem and his now ex-wife, Kim, hang above the velvet-roped VIP booth. “We wanted a really organic feeling to consume the costumers as soon as they stepped inside. My goal was transport people into Eminem’s life. When you eat here, I want it to feel like you’re eating at Eminem’s childhood trailer park. And I really think we achieved that,” stated Norton. Now let’s get down to the real reason people are visiting Shady’s Place, the food. Montoya said he’d been working on the menu for close to 7 years. “I really wanted to put my blood, sweat and tears into the cuisine. I did a lot of research. What are Eminem’s favorite foods? What did he grow up eating? What do Detroit natives love to it? And I’m proud to say, you can find it all here.”

The presentation is something to be desired, as all entrees are served on a TV dinner-style tray. Shady’s Place also features a full bar, where world-class mixologist, Skyler Faye, concocts some of the most tempting cocktails I’ve ever seen. I decided to go with the I’m Sorry Mama Mojito, which was equal parts refreshing and delicious. I started my meal with a charming and “punny” appetizer, a simple bowl of M&M’s. Chef Montoya laughed when I asked about this menu choice. “It was an easy decision. I just thought, you can’t have an Eminem themed restaurant without actual M&M’s. Plus, we’re encouraging people to eat candy before dinner. Major crowd pleaser.” For my main course, I had quite a cornucopia to choose from. Mom’s Spaghetti, served with freshly baked garlic bread and a bed of baby arugala seemed like a delightful choice. The menu also featured Shady’s Baby Back Ribs, served with home-style mashed potatoes and cornbread. I decided to go with something on the lighter side, the Cleaning Out My Closet Crostini. This understated yet elegant dish was a treat to my palette. Four delicately thin slices of French bread toasted and drizzled with olive oil, then topped with an assortment of artisan cheeses and seafood pâté. This dish was satisfying yet allowed me to save room for the main event: dessert.

Chef Montoya managed to create a whimsical array of desserts for Shady’s Place. I was dying to sample two desserts on the menu from the very moment I’d heard about the new restaurant, so I ordered them both. I started with the oh-so-decadent Marshmallow Mathers. An airy, whipped ‘smores cake with mounds of fluffy marshmallow butter cream and chocolate ganache. This dish is sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth, and then some. Finally, I ordered the dessert to end all desserts, the 8 Mile High Mud Pie. Chef Montoya wasn’t kidding when he named it after the hip-hop stars popular movie, the dessert literally consisted of 8 alternating layers of coffee ice cream, chocolate ice cream, and an Oreo cookie crust. Topped with a heaping layer of whipped cream, this dessert was the perfect end to a night of culinary perfection. Chef Montoya asked if I’d be back to visit Shady’s Place again and I simply answered, “This opportunity comes once in a lifetime.”

By Bri Klaproth

Wednesday, January 20th 2016