Chef’s Corner with Simon Dolinky of BLVD 16

Located two blocks from the UCLA campus, Hotel Palomar Los Angeles’ 19-story building features 268 guestrooms and suites, all of them as effortlessly comfortable as they are luxuriously unique. Stunning views of the Los Angeles city skyline, beautifully designed rooms, and unparalleled amenities await guests. BLVD 16, the hotel’s new, swanky restaurant, is known for it’s seasonably fresh, locally grown produce, sustainable seafood and naturally raised meats are the foundation of Executive Chef Simon Dolinky’s menu. journeyPod enjoyed a delicious tasting and wine pairing by Chef Simon at BLVD 16. Check out our recommendations in our LA Dining Guide.

We had the opportunity to ask Chef Simon a few questions:

What three ingredients cannot you not live without?
Fennel, raw fish, jalapenos

If you weren’t a chef what would you be?
A writer. I like to write essays and short stories in a food capacity…recipes, etc.?

Who is your favorite chef?
Marco Pierre White. I have never worked with him, but I have an appreciation of him through reading his books.

What would you enjoy for your Last Supper?
Fried chicken with hot sauce with peach cobbler. Prepared by Chef Paul Perdone.

What celebrities have you cooked for recently?
Adrian Grenier from Entourage and Jack White from The White Stripes

What is the craziest request you’ve received?
A lady wanted soft boiled eggs for breakfast–but just the egg whites. We made them for her, but she sent them back three times!

In what country have you most enjoyed cooking?
The area around Barcelona, Spain. They have a “craftsman-type” attitude. They play with food like a jazz musician. There is a certain cultural attitude there that I haven’t found elsewhere.

Where do you travel for leisure?
Caribbean, Mexico–where there are lots of beaches, lots of margaritas, and lots of sun

What’s coming up this summer at BLVD 16?
The “Market to Grill Parties” on Saturday afternoons starting in August. I’ll be going to the market Saturday morning and grilling in the afternoon. Call the restaurant at 310.474.7765 to get on the email list for your invitation!