Lexington Social House: Jazz Night & Jidori Fried Chicken

Lexington Social House Cocktail Flight

Music and food are two of my favorite things in the world.

Seldom do I cook without putting a CD on the stereo (yes, we're dinosaurs that way) or flipping on the radio (more dinosaur stuff). It just doesn't feel right without it. So when I was invited to Lexington Social House for a blogger dinner to celebrate Jazz Night with Jeff Goldblum and his Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, I jumped at the chance.

I'd seen Jeff Goldblum perform before at Largo, a music and comedy club that I regularly hit up. So I knew that this wasn't a novelty act—he's really talented.

But first came dinner. We sat on the gorgeous patio on a gorgeous evening (the weather in LA has been fantastic lately). We began the evening with a candy-colored cocktail flight, served in adorable miniature glasses. They were all delicious in their own special ways.

Summer Fling Cocktail

My favorites included the "Sweet Lips," a refreshing blend of elderberry, watermelon, lemon juice, and sparkling wine. It tasted like spring. Another standout was the "Summer Fling." This cocktail is made from Jim beam Bourbon, Dewars scotch, apricot syrup, and fresh thyme. I loved the aroma of thyme that drifted out of the smokey drink as I sipped it.

Steak Tartare

And then the food came out in three courses, served family style. The appetizers included a Little Gem Lettuce Salad with grapes, toasted hazelnuts, and smoked blue cheese. We also feasted on pickled vegetables and enjoyed a whimsical take on Steak Tartare, complete with drive-thru French fries and encapsulated root beer spheres. 

Steak Tartare French Fries

However, my favorite appetizer was the Jidori Chicken Liver Toast.

Jidori Chicken Liver Toast

It was smooth and creamy and savory, and came with a lovely salad of picked shallots, radish, and parsley. I love herb salads.

Pickled Shallot & Parsley Salad

Main courses ranged from the lighter Florida White Shrimp with Risotto—to the heavier Braised Boneless Beef Short Ribs. This came with farro, one of my favorite grains. But this restaurant is known for one entree—Jidori Fried Chicken—and it's easy to see why. The fried chicken was served Southern Style with bacon braised greens, sweet potatoes, and corn bread. 

Jidori Fried Chicken with Bacon Braised Greens

Do I need to say anything more? 

Oh yes, dessert! Chocolate Bread Pudding (yum) and their famous Monkey Bread (yummier). The latter tasted like a take on a sweet bun, and is a signature dessert.

As if our feast wasn't enough, around nine o'clock Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra began to play the first of their two sets. No surprises here—they were fantastic. The room was packed with eager jazz patrons, and Goldblum even dispensed a multitude of hugs (he's definitely a hugger) and took photos with adoring fans during the set break.

Their residency continues every Wednesday night (first set 9-10pm, second set 10:30-midnight) at the Lexington Social House. Reservations are suggested.