LAURA JOHNSON
Assistant Life Editor
While half of the Pepperdine population parades around pretending to eat, the other half of the people who do like to partake in breaking bread every now and again should be informed about the novelties restaurant 25 Degrees has to offer.
The name refers to the difference in degrees between a medium rare and a well done burger, and thankfully not to one of the members of departed band 98 Degrees.
Created by the husband and wife duo of Tim and Liza Goodell as part of the famous Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the restaurant has a lot to live up to. However, this burger joint manages to not only fill the stomach but the prescription for tasty food as well.
Who actually eats here? As an upscale hamburger bistro, what kind of audience does this cater to? People who frequent Denny’s will not like the price, but people who can afford the price may not find going out for a nice greasy burger and fries too appealing. However, the place manages to be packed.
A small dimly lit room complete with a bar and big comfy booths, the intimate atmosphere is great if one has something to hide – such as a recent bad acne breakout or greasy hair. With deep red delicately patterned wallpaper, shabby-chic lamps and plasma screen TVs playing not sports, but indie films like “Reservoir Dogs” on mute, 25 Degrees has a 19th Century Parisian-meets-old-school glam diner feel that is unlike any other.
Not only does the food come in delightful packaging, but the French fries and onion rings come poured out of a Chinese take-out box on a sushi plate.
Although the menu is rather minimalist, the problem comes when blasted in the face with all of the things that could be put on that griddled slab of carnivore greatness. With more than 12 cheeses to choose from, and other toppings such as fried egg, shitake mushrooms, jalapeños, chili, various vegetables and fruit, along with an assortment of sauces packed between two brioche buns, it is easy to become wide-eyed.
To uncomplicate matters, there are three house burgers, each with a distinctly tantalizing taste. The No. 3 is slathered in mezzo seco jack, green chili, avocado and chipotle. These come with fries also, making for a great deal at $12.
Of course the burgers claim to be better than they are, the meat could do with a little more flavor and it is so big that jaw dislocation surgery may be necessary, yet everything is fresh-tasting and not unenjoyable in the slightest.
The servers and bartenders (who sport Ed Hardy T-shirts as uniforms) are quick and efficient without rushing customers.
The times and days that 25 Degrees are open are easy – 24 hours and seven days a week, and with Malibu getting shut-eye at 7:30p.m., this is a good option to keep open when late-night hunger pangs strike.
The lounge connects the restaurant to the famed hotel and is its own place to stop and hang out, filled with fabulous people wearing fabulous things. The black couches serve as cozy places to meet up with friends if wanting to leave eating out of it.
Some things to know are that the parking can get crazy, as it is downtown Hollywood, so always allow extra driving and parking time if meeting up with people.
Also know that although sweats are probably out, it is very casual dining. A meal will probably be between $12-20 depending on how many toppings one piles on, but by no means is any of it over-priced for the quality received. For those who are not carb conscious, this is a great late-night check-out.
For reservations or more information, visit www.thompsonhotel.com.
02-07-2008
