New Executive Chef at Checkers Downtown: Todd Allison

Checkers Restaurant
Checkers Hilton
535 So. Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213.624.0000

To my in-box from the computer of Jessica Barry at The Barry Group PR:

"As the Downtown LA dining scene continues to heat up, Checkers Downtown, one of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants of recent decades, has announced the addition of a bright new executive chef, Todd Allison, along with a refined new menu and a contemporary new design throughout. Blending an independent sensibility, a fresh perspective and the warmth, service and quality of a bygone era, Checkers combines the charm and depth of old Los Angeles with the vibrancy of today’s Downtown. The new menu and renovations, including dining room, patio and lobby lounge, will unveil on October 5 and a calendar of mixology and wine-inspired special events in both the dining room and lounge will begin in late September."

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Chef Todd Allison is a graduate of Scottsdale Culinary Le Cordon Bleu, and has worked beneath both James Boyce (of Studio in Scottsdale and the restaurant at Montage in Laguna Beach) and Michael Mina (Michael Mina SF & LV, Nobhill LV, Strip Steak LV, XIV LA, etc).

Highlights of Chef Allison's menu will include:

"Pan Roasted Loup de Mer with braised Underwood Ranch vegetables and Romesco sauce, Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb with Rancho Gordo heirloom bean ragout, shank meat and natural jus, and Gilroy Roasted Garlic and Fava Bean Angnolotti with Chanterelle mushrooms, crispy pancetta and English pea coulis showcase Allison’s taste for the esoteric while Grilled Loch Duart Salmon with grilled baby vegetables and lemon buerre blanc and Grilled Black Angus Filet Mignon with sautéed wild spinach, baked Yukon Golds and roasted shallot demi-glace."

The big question is, will Allison be able to put Checkers back on the map as a go-to location in the burgeoning DTLA food scene? We shall see!