Several months ago during a silent auction at the Southern California Public Radio gala, I placed the winning bid for tickets to attend the Los Angeles Kings. My excitement grew as the date approached when I would witness my first NHL hockey game, a very fast, aggressive and exciting sport with fights. That’s how I found myself at the Staples Center and L.A. Live one recent weekend.
L.A. Live is a vibrant mix of concert venues, night clubs, movie theaters and home to the Grammy Museum. There’s even a bowling alley; there are also several restaurants which present a wide range of options to consider for a pre-game meal. Wolfgang Puck? Yard House? Been there, done that. I was looking for something quick, easy and tasty. A sandwich shop, Lawry’s Carvery, caught my eye and looked like a good place to grab a satisfying bite.
Lawry’s is known for their line of seasonings, but did you know they also operate a number of upscale steakhouses? Whether you’re in Beverly Hills, Las Vegas or Chicago (or Tokyo, Singapore or Taipei), Lawry’s is the place to go for superb food, excellent service and gracious hospitality.
Lawry’s Carvery, their first casual cafeteria-style eatery, serves the chain’s signature hand-carved sandwiches, fresh-from-the-garden salads and world famous prime rib. The space has a contemporary diner vibe. A large steam table and a self-serve soda fountain stand near the entrance. Overhead, a black ceiling with exposed HVAC. Gray vinyl booths along two walls, several two-tops and one long communal table. Grass mat covered lamps and brushed chrome accents. Immense windows facing the streets.
I studied the menu while waiting in line. Sandwiches include French Dip, King of Clubs, Turkey California, Meatball Melt and Original Prime Rib or Prime Rib Bleu. Or if you’re in the mood for a salad, choose between Southwestern Chopped, Caesar, Thai Chicken, Turkey Cobb or Mixed Greens. I ordered the Half Sandwich combo ($15) – the Original Prime rib with a cup of butternut squash soup, a side of mac and cheese ($6) and a pint of Goose Island IPA ($3).
I found a seat where I could view the bustling restaurant and the activity on the busy boulevard while nursing my beer. The mildly bitter IPA, 5.9 percent alcohol by volume, has a hoppy citrusy taste – orange zest and apricot – and a crisp clean finish. This enjoyable brew has long been one of my “go to” pours.
My order arrived within minutes. The cup of creamy hot soup is full of silky smooth butternut squash with hints of cinnamon and allspice. A drizzle of tangy sour cream and cracked black pepper sauce completes the presentation. So satisfying – spoonfuls bursting with autumn goodness. The mac and cheese has a golden crust from the oven and is made with a velvety cheese béchamel sauce. Comforting and rib-sticking delicious.
Thin slices of succulent rare prime rib are piled atop a crunchy ciabatta bun. The bread soaks up the robust savory Port wine au jus for a perfect chew. A mild horseradish sauce served on the side really bumps up the flavor. Salty crisp potato chips, hot from the kettle, complete the plate. Mmm mmm good! No wonder the original Beverly Hills restaurant has remained a local favorite since opening their doors in 1938.
Lawry’s Carvery is truly “a cut above”. Eat this, hungry readers. You’ll be glad you did.
Lawry’s Carvery – L.A. Live
1011 S Figueroa St. Suite B115
Los Angeles
Sun – Fri: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
213-222-2212
