Just admit it Top Chef fans. You probably cheered and exchanged a few fist bumps when the 29-year-old, man-bun-rocking contestant was 86’ed. But on his home turf, it’s another story. Phillip Frankland Lee, as the Valley’s prodigal son, is like chef deity.
Need convincing? There aren’t many restauranteurs out there who would be willing to feed the hardworking BOH (back-of-house) restaurant staff in Los Angeles out of pocket, but he did, and went above and beyond. For the entire month of February this year, Phillip—who began his illustrious career as a dishwasher—served up free six-course tasting menus to any BOH staff.
This generosity aligns with his mission to take fine dining and make it more “approachable, affordable, accessible, fun and nutritious,” evident at both of his restaurants—the plant-based nirvana Gadarene Swine in Studio City and Scratch|Bar & Kitchen run entirely by chefs, in Encino—operated with his wife, pastry chef Margarita Lee.
"I have a lot of pride for the Valley… I always thought I'd go over the hill, learn how to cook, then bring what I learned back to my hometown," Phillip says.
So, where does this Valley boy nosh when he’s not searing Branzino on the open grill or transforming veggies into edible art? Read on ...
Scratch|Bar & Kitchen
Encino, $$$$
Phillip Frankland Lee: It's the only place I know in the Valley that you can stumble in hungry, chat it up with the chefs and have them prepare a special menu just for you! You can opt for one of the three nightly tasting menus based on number of courses or go a la carte, all of which have dishes that change sometimes hourly and are built around your personal likes and dislikes. I grew up eating at sushi bars so I love the fact that you get to sit right up to the stoves and ask the chef, "What's good tonight?"
Phillip Frankland Lee: It's the only place I know in the Valley that you can stumble in hungry, chat it up with the chefs and have them prepare a special menu just for you! You can opt for one of the three nightly tasting menus based on number of courses or go a la carte, all of which have dishes that change sometimes hourly and are built around your personal likes and dislikes. I grew up eating at sushi bars so I love the fact that you get to sit right up to the stoves and ask the chef, "What's good tonight?"
Bone Marrow Toast with Spice Mushrooms at Scratch. Image courtesy of Instagram user @lafoodie
The Bellwether
Studio City, $$$
PFL: Chef Ted Hopson is probably the best chef the valley has seen in a super long time. EVERYTHING I have had at the Bellwether is delicious and fairly priced. On my last visit (my wife and I go often), I had a Wagyu flat iron—it was awesome. I can’t believe he stays in business with such affordable prices. No wonder the place is always busy!
Meatballs at The Bellwether. Image courtesy of Instagram user @laneelee
Barrel and Ashes
Studio City, $$$
PFL: Anyone who has been will tell you the BBQ is killer! Anyone who hasn't been should probably go tonight. Amazing cocktails and better food, but it's the brisket that gets me everytime … and the frito pie!
Frito Pie at Barrel and Ashes. Image courtesy of Instagram user @ming383
Sanamluang
North Hollywood, $
PFL: This is a Michelin guide recommended Thai spot that is open until 3 am, 7 days a week. I always get the Thai beef salad and Pad See Ew. In 12 years, I don't think I've ever changed my order.
Sanam Luang Cafe. Image courtesy of Instagram user @rthe-aggustin127
Taco Mexico
Van Nuys, $
PFL: Arguably my favorite taco chain in LA, yes I argue with myself (but only about the important things). Taco Tuesdays are 3 for $1 and the tacos are always super delicious. They have killer lengua and, to be honest, the carne asada may be my favorite around.
Al Pastor tacos at Taco Mexico. Image courtesy of Instagram user @toptacos
Sushi Dan
Studio City, $$
PFL: Super fresh and delicious sushi and OPEN LATE. This spot is right next to The Gadarene Swine so sometimes after service, Margarita and I will hit up the bar at Sushi Dan to do a quick Omakase.
Sushi goodness at Sushi Dan. Image courtesy of Instragram user @c_linarte
In-N-Out Burger
All of them, $
PFL: I don't need to tell anyone about In-N-Out, but I thought I could share my go-to order since it is far from normal: Double Single (2 meat, 1 cheese), Lettuce, Tomato and Onion ONLY; Protein Style; Fried Mustard. It’s a real game changer!
Burger and animal fries at In-N-Out Burger. Image courtesy of Instagram user @songishong
Great Khans Mongolian
Sherman Oaks, $
PFL: Even though Great Khan’s is a chain, usually located in mall food courts, don't be fooled by the $8 ticket price of lunch, It’s really good. I love the idea of filling my bowl with tons of meat and veggies and then handing it to a guy who cooks what I picked, and within 2 minutes I’ve got an awesome stir-fry style bowl of pork, beef and veggies over rice.
Chicken noodles at Great Khans Mongolian. Image courtesy of @greatkhans_kw
Larsen’s
Encino, $$$
PFL: Sometimes I just want a pint of beer, a dry aged bone-in Ribeye and good company. So I literally walk next door (from Scratch|Bar & Kitchen) and grab a seat at the bar at Larsen’s. The steak is cooked perfectly, the staff is always super friendly and it's kind of my go-to for steak in the Valley!
Steak at Larsen’s. Image courtesy of Instagram user @larsenswoodlandhills
Belinda Gosbee is an Aussie writer, actress and coffee snob based in Los Angeles. Follow her jaunts on Twitter @belindagosbee or Instagram @gos22.
Featured image of Phillip Lee Frankland by Yasmin Alishav.
