Lina LecaroHollywood might not be as glamorous as it once was for a variety of reasons, but MainRo is aiming to change that. The sexy supperclub meshes atmospheric technology with an old school cabaret approach and it’s quickly becoming a hotspot even as the pandemic lingers.
The 7,500 square foot space at the corner of Ivar and Hollywood Blvd (formery Eva Longoria’s Beso) is stunning from the second you walk inside. Reflective paneling and Ultra 4K digital screens swath the walls with various vibrant and changing imagery, creating immersive dining moments that are unmatched anywhere in L.A. right now. Lighting details throughout the space, along with other decor touches (sumptuous velvet booths, reflective chandeliers) compliment the visuals, which serve as a backdrop to an inventive menu. If that’s not enough multi-sensory amusement, there is also rotating live entertainment happening all night as you enjoy your meal and DJs spinning throughout the night as the energy heightens.
It’s the vibrant vision of Miami’s Romain Zago, who along with partner Michael K., is best known for Miami Beach hotspots Mynt Lounge and Myn-tu. “Los Angeles has always had a special place in my heart. I was first introduced to the city back in early 2007. I needed a reason to come back on a weekly or monthly basis in order to see my dogs, Darla and Rugby, who I dedicate MainRō to,” Zago shares with LA Weekly. “Being based in Miami, we have a lot of Angelenos visit our properties and they’ve asked me to create a similar concept in L.A. It really got me thinking and I decided to take the risk and bring all my years of experience to create something that I felt Los Angeles needed, where they can enjoy each other’s company and ambiance over dinner and cocktails.”
(Courtesy MainRo/ExclusiveAccess.net)
In terms of entertainment, it seems anything goes. Zago’s vision for the shows was inspired by Moulin Rouge (which coincidentally just opened a few blocks away at the Pantages), but with a more modern take. “We wanted to transport our clients to an enchanted destination where they were surrounded by theater all throughout the evening,” the owner says. “No matter where you are seated in the restaurant and at any given time you would be able to witness a spectacular show comprised of magic, musical renditions, cabaret and aerialistic performances.”
The eye candy is pretty non-stop, but that doesn’t mean the menu is any less enticing. Like the entertainment, the food is an audacious amalgamation of influences with French and Asian style dishes taking center stage and inspiring plate-sharing and family-style eating. There’s plenty to get satiated on, but since it’s a club-like environment, some will come to nibble, and the variety of dishes to choose from is key to pleasing all, especially women says Zago.
“The menu caters much to our female clientele base,” he reveals. “In my years of hospitality, I have realized that the hardest palate to please was that of a woman. Most of the time women are the decisive factor when it comes to restaurant choices and men would just follow suit. I’ve traveled the world and dined at the most distinguished restaurants sampling the finest dishes in search of the perfect bite to incorporate at the restaurant.”
(Wonho Frank Lee)
From caviar to sushi, fish to prime steaks, there are many choices, and all are presented with flair and color. Edible flowers decorate many dishes and sauces are dotted about on artfully shaped plates. Zago says his personal favorites include the crispy rice caviar, creamy rock shrimp, hamachi jalapeno, truffle wagyu bites, Colorado lamb rack and hot stone wagyu beef. There’s also a wondrous 36 oz. bone-in tomahawk steak for those who want to go big. Dishes range from under $20 for many starters to $50 and above for entrees. The Tomahawk is $185 but it’s huge enough to feed a few. Fancy cocktails ($18) add to the euphoric feel here– try MainRo’s eponymous concoction with Hennessy XO, Clase Azul Reposado, passion fruit, pernod, dulce de coco leche and lime for a real kick.
MainRo’s Vegas vibes mark a much needed return to excess and excitement on the Walk of Fame, which has seen some struggle since the pandemic. Along with Bourbon Room next door, it provides a true destination spot and special splurge option for birthdays, anniversaries and girls nights out. The entertainment is top-notch (we were especially impressed with the vocalists who took the elevated stage during our visit) and it all complements the visual feast.
“Hollywood has always been the pioneer in developing movies of the future and we set out to build a venue that encapsulated that spirit and brought it into the hospitality realm,” Zago enthuses. “The mission was to bring Hollywood to Hollywood … We want to establish ourselves as a supper club merging dining and nightlife into one property, where patrons can cherish the same environment and stay the duration of the evening creating great moments.”
MainRo, 6350 Hollywood Blvd., is open Thursday- Saturday with seatings from 7:30 p.m.- 10:30 p.m. More info at mainro.com.
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