Familial Feast

It’s bright, new, noisy and a little experimental. Studio City’s new The Bellwether marks the debut joint effort of Chef Ted Hopson and beverage director Ann-Marie Verdi, both veterans of the Father’s Office restaurants in Santa Monica and Culver City.  

Ann-Marie describes the eclectic menu as “world” cuisine, with flavors from Italy, Thailand and the Middle East, to name a few. Food and drinks source seasonal ingredients, and cocktails feature house-made infusions including grapefruit gin and strawberry and jalapeño tequila Arette.

Occupying the space that formerly housed Olé Tapas, The Bellwether currently seats 70. Plans are underway for a dog-friendly sidewalk patio that will accommodate an additional 30 patrons.

Part of a still red-hot trend, the menu is all about shareable dishes. There are three categories: vegetables, fish and meat. Our server recommended each person order two or three dishes, so our party of two ordered six. This was enough food for four; next time, one from each category.

We hit the jackpot with the addictive, Thai-influenced tempura cauliflower; grilled local yellowtail with a fresh garnish of onion puree; sweet corn and radish; and the roasted half-chicken with supremely crispy skin. One chunk of white chocolate mousse cake with brown butter pistachios and cherry ice cream (plenty for two) was the perfect finale to our meal, as well as affirmation that the future looks bright for The Bellwether. 

13251 Ventura Blvd., Studio City  |  818-285-8184  |  Open 5 to 10 p.m. daily