Josiah Citrin, one of the most well-known fine-dining chefs in Los Angeles, is set to open a new restaurant in Santa Monica by the end of the year, located at 2428 Main Street.
The new restaurant, first reported by Eater Los Angeles, has yet to reveal an official name or date for its grand opening. Citrin hopes the restaurant will be up and running sometime this fall. What is known is that Citrin plans to bring his signature dirty chicken, as seen on the menu at one of his other restaurants, Mélisse, located at 1104 Wilshire Blvd.
“Chicken is the ultimate comfort food,” Citrin tells Eater. “I’ve always enjoyed cooking [it], and it’s a great meal option for every day of the week.”
Josian Citrin is regarded as one of the most celebrated chefs in Los Angeles. The French chef moved to Paris after graduating from Santa Monica High School before returning in 1990. Following his culinary philosophy, “in pursuit of excellence,” Citrin now has more than 25 years of experience. He is a two-star Michelin chef and owner of several restaurants, including Mélisse, Charcoal Venice, Dear John’s, Opernaire, and Dave’s Doghouse at the Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles and Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
“Citrin discovered his passion for food through his family at an early age, growing up in Santa Monica and Venice with a mother who was a caterer, and a French grandmother who cooked family meals,” according to Citrin’s website. “Their knowledge, combined with his excitement for cooking and business, led him to pursue a culinary career.”
The chicken that will be served at Citrin’s new restaurant is oven-roasted and crusted along the skin, giving it more texture while retaining its juiciness. The new restaurant will be more casual, compared to his other restaurants. It plans on having an extensive takeout business and on-site seating for about two dozen people.
