TAO, Beauty & Essex, Avenue, and Luchini LA Grand Opening

On Thursday, March 16th, a huge—stuffed to the brim with celebs—invite only block party was thrown to celebrate the highly-anticipated TAO Asian Bistro, Beauty & Essex, Avenue, and Luchini Pizza + Bar Grand Opening. Guests included everyone from Katie Holmes and Cindy Crawford, to Orlando Bloom and G-Eazy, and Hailey Baldwin plus Zoe Saldana. And many, many more. But this wasn't one of those lame, stuffy events you can't wait to leave. The whole alleyway where a few of these new businesses perch was totally blocked off, as well as a subsequent street where the new TAO lives, and thousands of guests spilled out of each new venue, dancing, drinking, and enjoying special surprise performances by NAS, Busta Rhymes, and Anderson Paak. DJ Khaled also came in for a special surprise DJ set. Ross One, DJ Cassidy, Chantel Jeffries, Chris Masterson, and Devin Lucien manned the decks throughout the evening. You'd think it'd be hard to get a drink, or the passed apps would disappear before you could try even one, but nope. Guests (ourselves included) enjoyed (and I really do mean enjoyed, they were tasty) Poke Wonton Tacos, Petit Imperial Wagyu Sliders and Grilled Cheese, Smoked Bacon & Tomato Soup Dumplings from Chef Chris Santos of Beauty & Essex and Chef Ralph Scamardella of TAO Asian Bistro. It was the hottest party in L.A. that night, that's for sure. But what's more remarkable is seeing the changing Hollywood skyline, which has in the past few years alone completely morphed. It will be interesting to see where the city heads in the future. Will we be seeing a DTLA like evolution in Hollywood?

Avenue will officially open its doors on  Tuesday, March 21. TAO Asian Bistro,Beauty & Essex restaurant and Luchini Pizzeria & Bar will open to the public in early April.
 
Dream Hollywood will open separately and later this Spring with a new dining and nightlife concept from TAO Group called The Highlight Room, a rooftop lounge, pool and grill atop of the hotel. TAO Group will exclusively manage all ofDream Hollywood’s food and beverage operations, marking their first West Coast venture.