News Summary
Beverly Hills has welcomed the debut of 88 Club, a fine-dining restaurant opened by Chef Mei Lin and Francis Miranda. Located at 9737 S. Santa Monica Blvd., the restaurant offers a unique twist on Chinese cuisine inspired by Lin’s childhood and travels. The menu features dishes like prawn toast, nam yu roasted chicken, and more, showcasing a blend of regional Chinese flavors. The interior reflects a modern take on Chinese heritage, creating an inviting atmosphere for diners seeking both intimate and communal dining experiences.
Beverly Hills – The culinary scene in Beverly Hills welcomes a new addition with the debut of 88 Club, a fine-dining restaurant opened by Chef Mei Lin and restaurateur Francis Miranda. Situated at 9737 S. Santa Monica Blvd., the venue occupies the former space of Velverie and offers a unique twist on Chinese cuisine, celebrating diverse culinary influences.
88 Club features a menu inspired by Lin’s childhood experiences and her travels, showcasing the rich tapestry of regional Chinese and Chinese American flavors. Dishes include prawn toast, nam yu roasted chicken, and sweet-and-sour squirrel fish. The prawn toasts, which come with crustless pain de mie, are topped with black and white sesame seeds and served with hot mustard aioli and sweet-and-sour sauce, priced at $38 for three pieces.
While aiming for a fine dining experience, some comments from early reviews suggest that certain dishes fall short of ambitious culinary exploration beyond their appealing presentation. Despite this, the restaurant also offers a rotating lazy Susan for communal dining, emphasizing shared experiences among diners.
The interior of 88 Club is designed by Preen, featuring jade-green walls and plush seating to create a moody but inviting atmosphere. The establishment also includes a bar area, with a cocktail menu highlighting signature drinks such as a rhubarb-tinged Mai Tai crafted by bartender Kevin Nguyen. The design elements reflect Lin’s Chinese heritage while incorporating modern aesthetics for an eclectic dining experience.
Operating hours for 88 Club are Tuesday to Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m. Menu prices range from $17 to $38 for appetizers, $23 to $38 for noodle and rice dishes, and a la carte mains priced between $32 and $125.
Chef Mei Lin, a former winner of Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 12, gained recognition for her previous restaurant, Nightshade, before its closure during the pandemic. She has amassed significant experience in the culinary world, having worked at renowned establishments like Spago and Ink, as well as operating the fast-casual venue Daybird, focused on fried chicken.
The opening of 88 Club marks Lin’s return to high-end dining and underscores her commitment to celebrating the diversity of Chinese cuisines without adhering strictly to one regional style. Early critiques from food enthusiasts highlight a longing for Lin’s personal artistry to shine through in the dishes while calling for a more pronounced expression of her culinary perspective amidst the fine-dining ambiance.
With 88 Club, Lin aims to create an atmosphere conducive to both intimate dining and communal experiences, providing a space where tradition meets contemporary culinary innovation. As Beverly Hills continues to evolve as a culinary hub, 88 Club seeks to carve out its niche, presenting diners with a blend of familiar dishes reimagined through a modern lens.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: 88 Club Review
- Wikipedia: Fine Dining
- Eater LA: Mei Lin Opens 88 Club
- Google Search: 88 Club Beverly Hills
- Modern Luxury: 88 Club Dining Review
- Google Scholar: Chinese Cuisine
- Fine Dining Lovers: Chef Mei Lin Interview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chinese Cuisine
- Wallpaper: 88 Club Los Angeles Review
- Google News: Mei Lin
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
