M. Georgina: Star-Studded Hopeful
When most people receive a phone call from a blocked number, they let it go straight to voicemail. Melissa Perello is not like most people. She answered a phone call from a blocked number to unknowingly receive news about winning a Michelin star. Receiving a Michelin star is the chef equivalent to winning an Olympic gold medal or becoming your mentor’s mentor. Melissa has led both of her San Francisco-based restaurants, Frances and Octavia, to earn a coveted star. Now she brings her award-worthy culinary craft to Downtown LA debuting as M. Georgina.
“The more time I spent in Los Angeles, the more I realized how much I enjoy it. The energy and food scene is very exciting and I am inspired by the amazing chefs and quality of product available,” says Melissa.
M. Georgina is her third restaurant and the newest attraction added to The Row’s urban sanctuary. Upon entry, a wood-fired oven burns mercilessly as it greets you with passionate cooking. Natural, wood decor complements the austerity of concrete walls while the exposed kitchen is neatly organized as if Marie Kondo tidied it up herself.
“I want people to feel comfortable and appreciated while enjoying a delicious meal. The staff is our family and we want to treat you like family as well,” says Melissa.
M. Georgina is named after her paternal grandmother, Mary Georgina. Though she never had a chance to meet her, her homage to the restaurant would have any grandmother smiling down from the heavens. The California-inspired menu features fare sourced from local farmer’s markets and executed with superior flavor on familiar favorites. One standout dish is the Wood Baked Black Cod, a buttery fish accented with creamed escarole, anchovies, chiles, black pepper, and baked in the wood oven, allowing the dish to take in the oaky flavors.
Brussel sprouts have been an “it” vegetable since the beginning of the millenium. It’s the socialite of vegetables seen on many menus throughout LA; we’ve become disenchanted by its beauty yet we cannot get enough of them. Melissa’s take on the baby buds reinstates our love for them. Her Warm Brussel Sprout Salad features peeled apart sprouts that create a leafy bed, tossed in a horseradish pancetta vinaigrette, topped with chanterelle mushrooms, and perfectly crisp pancetta.
Bar director, Adam Flamenbaum spearheads the adventurous cocktail menu. “Our cocktails are meant to flow seamlessly and act as an extension of the kitchen. We put an emphasis on using fresh herbs and produce to bring to Chef Melissa’s menu to life,” says Adam.
The Perennial Spring is a frond-adorned, gin-based cocktail that features herbaceous fennel and thyme liquor. It looks like Christmas, tastes like spring and feels like a very good time. The Sunshine Row tips its hat to The Row featuring vodka, blanc vermouth, apricot kernel, turmeric, and lemon. It resembles the color of Orange Tang and is served in a delicate cocktail glass.
Everything M. Georgina has to offer is an elevated version of foods we know and reimagined to flavors we’ll love. It’s a space that’s romantic enough to bring your date, yet comfortable enough to bring your boss. Whoever you bring—bring an appetite and a designated driver.
www.mgeorgina.com | 777 S. Alameda Street No. 114
Written by Janica de Guzman | Photography by GL Askew II
