The restaurateur, entrepreneur and author—who coowns Boujis Group (boujisgroup.com) with her husband Matt Hermer—discusses The Draycott, Olivetta and her forthcoming French-inspired concept Lalou, set to take over the iconic Ago space.
PHOTO BY MOSES TRUZMAN/ COURTESY OF BOUJIS GROUP
What initially drew you to the dining world in L.A. after living and working in London?
After a few months of blue skies and backyard BBQs, our Los Angeles sabbatical turned permanent. Hospitality is both our passion and our profession, so it was inevitable that our creative spark would be ignited wherever we made our home. That said, it is a delight to bring our sense of nostalgia of time and place— as well as our appreciation of European fare and flair—to the West Coast with us.
How would you describe L.A.’s food and drink scene and what people are looking for now?
Los Angeles’ food scene is transforming. Of course, California casual still reigns supreme, but we see our patrons wanting a divertissement from the dailiness of daily life. We want a bit of magic and elevated escapism. We want to add newness to the nostalgia and a freshness to the familiar.
Why do you think Olivetta and The Draycott have been so successful?
Whether it’s our food, cocktails and wine, our design and vibe, or our service standards, at the heart of it all needs to be a thoughtful and soul-enriching experience—delivered with intent and fun—inspired by the whimsy of Europe with a California sensibility. While The Draycott and Olivetta are unique dining experiences, they both transport our patrons to moments of shared memories with friends and loved ones. The triumvirate of gorgeous design, excellent service, and delicious food and drink has always been paramount—and received and appreciated by our Los Angeles community.
What inspired your forthcoming restaurant, Lalou?
A summer in Provence will inspire anyone—for me, a restaurant concept was hatched. In 2022, our family spent a week in Mougins, indulging in the gastronomic arias of the French summer menus and making Proustian memories under the shady terraces of Colombe d’Or in St. Paul de Vence and Petite Maison in Nice. It was all très recherché—and the perfect fit for Ago’s iconic site on Melrose Avenue.
What will make Lalou so special and unique?
Lalou will be the crown of Melrose Avenue’s ‘Restaurant Row,’ situated at the former famed Ago site, open for lunch and dinner services. Despite the marble, crisp linens and French food, the service will surprise the guests by being warm and lively. Diners at Lalou may find a certain similarity between their table and a Cezanne still life, where hospitality will be warm-hearted and recalls being welcomed into a family, where plates are shared and nobody minds a few stray breadcrumbs. Lalou’s lush gardens will be broken up with rich, layered landscaping— the focal point will be a central outdoor bar— and Tom Parker of Fettle Design’s interior has a level of frivolity and quirkiness to it. Mougins comes to Melrose Avenue.
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