October 11, 2019
I recently attended a Press Preview Dinner at the new Barsha Restaurant in Hermosa Beach.
The eatery is the most recent venture from Lenora and Adnen Marouani of Barsha Wines & Spirits in Manhattan Beach.
Lenora is a classically trained chef who previously worked at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Las Vegas and was the Executive Chef at a Beverly Hills hotel, in addition to curating merchandise at her former boutique, The Souk. Adnen, originally from Tunisia, has extensive experience in the restaurant industry, working as a sommelier in Los Angeles and running a major Las Vegas hotel kitchen.
Their experience and success at Barsha Wine & Spirits – serving small bites and boutique wines – was the ideal precursor for their foray into a full service bar and restaurant.
The menu features Tunisian dishes from Adnen’s childhood, infused with his and Lenora’s own culinary methods. Since California is such a melting pot of cultures, especially those from the Mediterranean, many of the ingredients and spices are familiar – chick peas, harissa, olive oil, raisins, yogurt, polenta, cous cous, aioli, hummus, pomegranates, pistachio, figs and feta, to name a few. These items, paired with lamb, chicken, pork and various types of fish, make for a completely unique and delectable dining experience.
The Barsha Team: General Manager Maria Vasquez, Owners Adnen & Lenora Marouani, Sous Chef Michael Mathison
Barsha is located in the former Suzy’s space on Aviation Boulevard. The floor plan has stayed the same but they’ve renovated – the clean lines and minimalist décor reflect the beach chic style the South Bay is famous for. High ceilings, reclaimed wood and rustic touches, create the perfect backdrop to showcase the beautiful dishes and gorgeous light fixtures.
Exquisite lighting over the bar.
Suzy’s was a hot spot for live music and Adnen and Lenora plan to continue that legacy. Located at the back of the dining room, the stage can be seen from all vantage points.
The dining room offers optional communal seating.
I won’t attempt to describe the many and varied flavors and aromas. Enjoy the photographs and make a reservation!
Barsha Cocktails
Hand of Fatima: hummus, harissa, pesto, tapenade, olives; Chicken Liver Pate: black currant, olive oil, stone fruit compote, pistachio
Braised Lamb Cheeks, polenta, crispy tobacco shallot
Barsha Arugula: caramelized onion, cucumber, feta, spiced chickpeas
La Goulette Mussels: tomato, caper, pilsner broth
A Night in Tunisia: Ataxa vermouth, Quinquina en Rama, cider vermouth, Pedro Ximenez, sherry, black lemon bitters
Grilled Prawns: horia, caramelized lime, cilantro labneh
Chicken Berber: mosli, tomato, tumeric, anaheim pepper, fingerling potatoes
Lenora emerges from the kitchen with dessert! Rose Trifle: lemon mascarpone, pound cake, rose-water berries, pistachio; Fig Brownie: balsamic glaze, Tunisian almond
Local media enjoy Barsha hospitality!
Barsha is a terrific addition to the burgeoning South Bay food scene. They’re now open for dinner, so be sure to stop by and experience a culinary adventure Tunisian style!
Monday – CLOSED
Tuesday – 5pm to Midnight
Wednesday – 5pm to Midnight
Thursday – 5pm to Midnight
Friday – 5pm to 1am
Saturday – 5pm to 1am
Sunday – 3pm to 10pm
For additional information and reservations, call (424) 452-6266 or visit the website at https://www.barshalife.com/.
Barsha is located at 1141 Aviation Boulevard, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.
Fabulous photography courtesy of Gloria Plascencia Photography!