Scandia – closed

We don't care about your landmarks!

From LA Mag, 2015:

Opened in 1957, Scandia was originally owned by Ken Hansen. Along with his wife, Tova, he turned the restaurant into a culinary landmark with elegant decor, impeccable service, and delectable Scandinavian and French cuisine. Ken’s sister-in-law, Teddy, served as hostess.

But Scandia wasn’t just high-end—it was happening. In its heyday, customers would beg, borrow, and steal for a reservation before 11 p.m. It’s where Frank Sinatra kept an office upstairs complete with a personal shower... The restaurant was even name-dropped in American Gigolo, and visited by five American presidents.

The entrance was dark and moody, and to the right was a Rat Pack-style wooden bar. Inside, Scandia chefs served Swedish meatballs on silver platters and mugs of beer embellished with the names of notable Scandia... Sports coats were required, but employees would supply one at the front desk to anyone who asked.

The restaurant served its last meal on May 4, 1989. Other restaurateurs launched other concepts in the space, but none stayed open long… The structure will soon be razed and replaced by an 11-story Marriott Hotel.

And indeed, it is the West Hollywood EDITION Marriott. Clicking on Dining to see if any location history came into play. No. Instead, there is a celebrity chef restaurant called Ardor, The Roof cocktail bar, The Sunset which is a club celebrating the 60s and 70s, and the benign Lobby Bar.

Danish Bloody Mary

• 2 oz. aquavit
• 8 oz. tomato juice
• Juice of one lime
• ½ tsp. accent
• ½ tsp. celery salt
• 1 celery stalk

Place all  in glass, stir with celery stalk. Add ice.