BLUE BIRDY GASTROPUB

Earlier this week, my friends and I had fun discovering Blue Birdy, a three-month old gastropub on the Sunset Strip. The place had recently been recommended to me, so even though I’m still not back to eating in restaurants quite yet, as soon as I heard that they have Molten Chocolate Lava Cake for dessert, I knew this was the place for me.

The Molten Chocolate Lava Cake in a to-go container. Photo by Karen Salkin.

And when I found-out they also do take-out, I recruited some pals to review with me, (which didn’t take a lot of prodding, of course,) and ran right over there to do a pick-up order. (The parking lots in the back appear to be free during the day. Just check first for yourselves.)

My co-reviewers, (Mr. X, Annie, and Todd,) and I all had a lot to say, so the comments in quotes came from one of us, but I forgot to make a note of from whom each one came! We also kept declaring everything “delicious” or “delish.” Not exactly creative adjectives, but honest, spontaneous ones.

Blue Birdy serves brunch, (my second favorite repast to Afternoon Tea,) until 4PM even on week-days, and dinner after that. Mr. X is my grilled salmon expert, so, luckily, even though it’s a dinner-only dish, they were able to accommodate us at lunchtime, and it was a success! Mr. X said the salmon was “so fresh,” he thought he “saw it move!” He’s a stickler for fresh seafood, so that’s high praise from him. (But if you like the skin removed, as he does, remember to ask them to do that.) He added that the braised kale on the side was “surprisingly good,” and the topping of sliced ginger and chopped mango was “a great touch.”

The Grilled Salmon dinner, still looking yummy even in a take-out container! Photo by Karen Salkin.

But even I was surprised to see what Mr. X went the most nuts over—it was the two salads we tried! His fave dish of everything was the BLT Salad, which is exactly what the moniker states it is—bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes, along with crisp croutons (in place of the bread for a sandwich.) And, for good measure, it’s all topped with a hefty portion of avocado. The dressing is Blue Birdy’s homemade ranch, which is better than any other we’ve ever tasted. He suggested that no matter what else you order there, you also have to get that one. He’s still raving about it a week later!!!

He said the Beet Salad, (which features mixed greens, toasted walnuts, pecans, avocado, and goat cheese along with the beets,) is almost as good as the BLT. Of course, we all loved them both, as well, but Mr. X was soooo gaga over the salads that we let him have this whole portion of the review.

The Beet Salad. Photo by Karen Salkin.

We all sampled the Chicken Strips appetizer, and declared it the “surprise dish of the day.” The portion of chicken is really “plentiful,” and the crispness is “perfection.” And they’re actually bigger pieces than thin strips. I believe you can choose your heat level, or ask for the sauces on the side. The two sauces we got were sooo spicy that Mr. X exclaimed, “They get your attention!,” (as he went back for more, I might add!) We had the chicken cooked “Buffalo,” but if you’re a wimp, such as I am, I suggest you order it “Regular.” Or—here’s my tip of the day, for all hot foods—have some dairy, (such as mozzarella,) on hand, in case it’s too hot for you. And the order comes with fries, which makes it more of a complete meal than an appetizer. (Ask for them to be well-done.)

Annie, Todd, and I also tried the Tempura…Asparagus! Of all the tempuras I’ve eaten in my life, this is the most unique. And the teriyaki sauce it comes with has just the right kick. It’s one of the dishes we all deemed the “most special.” Our third appetizer was the Brussels Sprouts, which Todd says are “the most flavorful ones ever.” It’s another generous serving, as well.

The three of us also shared the short rib tacos, (which come three to an order, so it’s perf for a trio,) which Todd said was “ a substantial meal,” while Annie gushed, “It’s a hearty taco, that’s for sure!” They come with guacamole on the side, and chips that I loved so much, (because they seemed to be a bit light and airy,) that I didn’t really want to share them.

Blue Birdy owner Jean Claude Mahdavi. Photo by Karen Salkin.

When I was ordering the tacos, I told the lovely and cute owner, Frenchman Jean Claude Mahdavi, (aka JC,) who also owns the pub Joxer Daly’s in Culver City, (so maybe I’ll review that place for you soon, as well,) that I hope they have crispy shells, and I saw his face indicating that they do not. So I said something like, “Oh no—I don’t like soft shells,” to which he replied that they are “somewhere between soft and crispy.” I could not even imagine that. But he was totally correct in his assessment. And…I loved them like that!

And then it was time for dessert. I’m just sorry I didn’t opt for an extra Molten Chocolate Lava Cake for just me because I hated sharing it. It’s that delicious! And the cream that comes with it puts it over the top.

If you’re a chocoholic, but molten cake is a bit too much for you, go for the (secret-for-now) Nutella crepes, which are topped with bananas and strawberries. Yu-um!

The establishment itself features a full bar with creative alcoholic beverages. So, for those of you who want to watch sports in the best way possible, on a zillion giant TVs, with a drink (or two) in hand, this is the way to go. But I heavily suggest you indulge in some of their delicious food while you’re at it.

Blue Birdy has an attractive atmosphere, with gorgeous subtly-sparkly-blue table-tops, and fabulous lighting covers, (which I would wear as a mini-dress!) The main dining room is big, and you can feel either private-ish in a booth, or in-with-the-in-crowd at the bar or tables. (Mr. X said the interior is “a visual feast,” to go along with the food.) There’s also a front patio, if you want to be a bit away from the TVs to hear each other ooh-and-ahh over the food, and a covered back area, (still with multiple televisions,) which is perfect for a private party.

Blue Birdy’s front patio. Photo courtesy of Blue Birdy, as is the one at the top of this review.

As fun as it looks like eating and drinking in Blue Birdy is, their take-out service is excellent, and the packaging itself could not be better. So for you people who work in that Sunset Strip area, and want to order a superior lunch, brunch, or dinner to eat in the office, this is the place to call. Just leave some molten cake for me!

Blue Birdy
8917 W. Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood
424-278-1112