Silverlake Drinking Has Come to Santa Monica with BrilliantShine!

Bok Choy

Julian Cox and Josh Goldman have quite the career when it comes to creating libations for bars and restaurants.  Goldman previously worked at Bastide and Church & State, while Cox was recently named one of the “Top 10 Mixologists of the Last 10 Years” by Food and Wine magazine.  But the opening of BrilliantShine a few weeks ago is the first time the devilish duo can call the place theirs!

Kelly w/ an Ancient Mariner

Located in the former Renee’s Courtyard location (right behind Tinga) on Wilshire Boulevard, the building has a hodgepodge style to it (its several rooms were converted from a residential house).  Which makes it a perfect location mashup for a modern day Wild wild west saloon. 

Maine Lobster Rice

And the drinks, they be of the Wild Wild era!  The bar is nothing if not heavy on the alcohol.  My drink the “Rye ‘n Goslings” was comprised Knob Creek rye, El Dorado 12-year rum, Demerara Rum, Gosling's 151 rum, mint and apricot (and proved me as a lightweight as it was far too much for me...).  I was more of a fan of Kelly’s “Ancient Mariner” composed of Demerara rum, Jamaican rum, lime, grapefruit, and pimento dram.  The drinks presentation definitely swings to either the masculine or feminine side with some drinks are served in heroic metal steins while others are finished with delicate paper straws.  Along with their stiff cocktails, there’s also craft beer, wine and sherry (Goldman is a trained sommelier).

Purple Corn Sorbet

Helming the BrilliantShine kitchen is Peruvian chef Richie Lopez.  Many of the restaurant’s ethnic meets comfort feature the flavors he cultivated while working under Ricardo Zarate, chef at Mo Chica, Picca and Paiche.  The dishes are quite intriguing Kelly’s already fan favorite Maine Lobster Rice with sea urchin, chives, and lime was the perfect balance of seafood, tomato, and rice.   I fell in Love with the creamy deliciousness of the Bok Choy, soy sauce, tomato, cauliflower, and red onion.  The dining experience concluded with the Purple Corn Sorbet, coconut, pistachios, and lemon.  The dish has a grainy more crystalline texture like a granita, but it’s definitely a unique palate finisher.

So if you're looking for a great place for a stiff drink after listening to your 45 records, Westside Hipsters look no further than BrilliantShine!