Musso & Frank, E.P., Magic Castle: What's Reopened In Hollywood

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Los Angeles continues to emerge from the pandemic as the summer sunshine approaches. As more and more residents begin to receive their vaccinations, guidelines are loosening and businesses are reopening their doors.

Musso & Frank, Hollywood's most storied restaurant, opened their doors back up on May 6 after a 10 month layoff. Founded in 1919, Musso & Frank chose to keep tradition intact rather than surprise customers with too many changes.

"With our reopening, we're being very careful to ensure that our 100- plus years of tradition won't change at all," CFO/COO Mark Echeverria, a fourth-generation member of the family of owners, said. "For instance, our menu will remain as intact as possible -- we want to keep all of our original offerings. Another tradition that will return is our focus on handcrafted cocktails, including our signature martinis -- stirred, not shaken -- James Bond got it wrong! While the bar will remain closed for walk-up service, our guests can still order their favorite beverages and cocktails to be enjoyed at their tables."

E.P. chose the opposite route, overhauling their menu and changing their interior atmosphere when they reopened on May 10. The West Hollywood restaurant will now hone in on modern American dishes, pivoting from its previous focus on Asian cuisine.

"We're not shutting out Asia," culinary director Monty Koludrovic, who helped restructure the menu, told Eater. "We're influenced by it, taking inspiration from the great American culture throughout the modern era."

Those looking to get their fix of magic tricks were delighted to hear Magic Castle announce they would reopen on May 21. The private clubhouse had been closed since March 15, 2020, but will now welcome members and invited guests back inside on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

And in North Hollywood, arts district staple Fat Dog reopened after a five-month closure due to pandemic restrictions. The restaurant's owners called the winter shutdown a "blessing in disguise," and the spread of the vaccines gave them more confidence that this time, they could reopen for good.

"I missed seeing the place full with guests," owner Susann Mandeville told Patch. "Enjoying themselves, enjoying our atmosphere, and enjoying our staff. It's quite rewarding to stand in a place with 200 people, and 99.9% are very happy with what we have to offer."

READ MORE: Fat Dog Makes Triumphant Return To North Hollywood

Musso & Frank Reopens After 10 Month Layoff

Magic Castle Announces Reopening Date After 15 Month Hiatus

E.P. Overhauls Menu, Interior Design For Indoor Reopening