Hank’s – Dinner – Dec. 13, 2022 – Pacific Palisades, CA.

It had been a while since I have been in this part of Los Angeles, they have redone the whole city center into this marvelous little village type shopping and dining district. The night I was there, it was chilly, but most of the restaurants have outdoor seating so you only imagine how great it would be to have al fresco dining in the summer.

Edgar Fernandez really enhanced my experience. His resume looks like a who’s who in the global hospitality industry. He is a seasoned veteran, having worked at so many notable hotels and restaurants, but is still very humble. And my server Alejandro Velasco was so fun and accommodating, he also made my evening very memorable! Hank’s is really a wonderful dining option, it is festive and lively, and all the staff treated me like royalty.

Chef Isaias Pena, a wonderful taste master, knowing his amazing culinary skills from his past restaurant I was very excited about this tasting, and it did not disappoint. As a matter of fact, Hank’s has set the stage for his gastronomic skills to grow and flourish.

Hank’s Restaurant in Pacific Palisades & Executive Chef Isaias Peña’s, Double Diamond Burger Is Named “Best Burger” winner. In Los Angeles Times “Best of the Southland 2022!”

Here’s What I Tried:

Cocktails:

Table-Side Traditional Martini, a bit dirty, with great cheese stuffed olives, the best.

The Cosmopolitan with Vodka, Cointreau, cranberry, lemon, and lime. A very smooth rendition of this always popular cocktail.

Appetizers:

Chicken Potstickers, with radish, daikon sprouts, wasabi aioli, and sesame dressing. These little wonders are so satisfying, just spectacular.

Deviled Eggs, with Gravlax, salmon roe, prosciutto di Parma, and Applewood bacon. This dish is a real art piece, with it’s gorgeous presentation, is a real eye catcher.

Meatballs al Forno, with Mascarpone, with polenta, marinara, Pecorino Romano, and herbs. The polenta is the real joy of this dish for me, comfort food at its best.

Salads:

Classic Caesar with white anchovies, Pan di Mie croutons, Grano Padano, and olive oil. A great salad, the dressing is what makes it so delicious.

Albacore Tuna Romaine lettuce cups, with thyme marinated heirloom tomato, and red wine vinaigrette.

Flatbread:

Prosciutto and Fig Jam Flatbread, with Marinara sauce, mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, and fennel pollen. This flatbread is sweet as well as savory. I just loved this menu item.

Burger:

Double Diamond, with Tillamook cheddar, tomato, butter lettuce, balsamic onion, and house sauce. If you are a burger lover like me, you will just savor every bite, it’s just that good.

Sides:

Mashed potatoes and gravy, simple flavor, everything you would want from mashed potatoes and gravy.

Roasted Vegetables, the chef picked a nice array of colorful vegetables, so it’s healthy and amazing.

Specials:

King Salmon, with Mascarpone polenta, seasonal vegetables, herb butter sauce. The salmon was very fresh and flavorful, coupled with the polenta, a real winner.

New York Steak, a perfect cut, juicy and tender, just what the doctor ordered.

Lobster Risotto, with Butternut squash, Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, gremolata, and truffle oil. This menu item was my favorite, nice thick pieces of lobster with the incredible truffle flavors. I will crave this dish from now on.

Wine:

Far Niente, Chardonnay, Sonoma, 2020, a buttery, creamy, excellent choice for any of the fish items. On their signature dish menu they recommend this wine with their salmon, and I agree.

Chalk Hill, Chardonnay, Sonoma, 2020, another great wine with any of the fish items as well.

Ridge Lytton Springs, Zinfandel, Sonoma, 2019, this wine is very jammy, it paired so great with the New York Steak.

Double Diamond, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2019, a super nice treat with the burger of the same name.

Hank’s, named in honor of Owner Rick Caruso’s father Hank is located at Palisades Village in the Pacific Palisades and was created to offer guests elevated American classics, handcrafted classic cocktails, draft and bottle craft beers and premium wines served by Coravin offering something for everyone. Executive Chef Isaias Peña’s Hank’s Double Diamond Burger is a perfect elevated beef blend of wagyu, brisket and short rib accompanied with Tillamook cheddar, caramelized onions, butter lettuce, Roma tomatoes and Hank’s special sauce on potato bun.

“The Hank’s Team and I are honored by this award and many, many thanks to everyone that voted,” says Peña. “We take great pride in the making of our burgers at Hank’s, and we also have a new menu that has something for everyone featuring steaks, seafood, and a selection of small and shared plates, so we invite you all to come enjoy!”

The customers are varied; dates, double dates, men going out for a drink at the bar, but everyone is having a great evening. There is a very fun jukebox, and lots of black and white photos. An open kitchen highlights their food prep viewing, with an espresso machine, and for sporting events there are 2 large flat screen TV’s. The dining room is small and intimate, with an interesting, tiled ceiling, and checkered floors. The furniture is diner type but a bit more elegant, all of it is designed to be cozy and welcoming.

Hank’s is open every Monday through Friday from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm, and every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm. For more information about Hank’s or to make reservations, please call 424.363.7166 directly or visit www.HanksPalisades.com.

Social Media: Follow Hank’s on Facebook @HanksPalisades and Instagram @hankspalisades

Hank’s

1033 N. Swarthmore Avenue

Pacific Palisades, CA 90722

T: 424.363.7166

www.HanksPalisades.com

*Some content was taken off of their website.

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