When Martine hit my line at 8:45 am asking if I was down to switch our lunch date to breakfast, I was game. I had spent the past two months lusting over a magical image of cantaloupe on Destroyer’s Instagram and I was eagerly awaiting to have the ripe orange melon pass my lips. The massive fruit was an early addition to Jordan Kahn’s summer menu that I had daydreamed about countless times. I fantasized what my very own would look like, how it would taste, how it would feel. I wasn’t losing sleep about the unique cantaloupe but it was haunting my thoughts more than any cucurbitaceae should. I often over-hype things in my mind as part of my process to extract as much satisfaction from any given moment. The hype is much like foreplay, building a deep tension with the hopes of a satisfying release. Unfortunately, the cantaloupe did not gratify me in the ways I hoped but my main dish, the Beef Tartare with smoked egg cream, crispy potatoes, toasted grains and seeds, was sensational.

I continually return to Destroyer because of Jordan Kahn’s singular vision. His gastronomical creations have always been a work of art and each plate displays a thoughtfulness rarely found in popular restaurants. To witness greatness is special but to partake, is magnificent. When so much of what is being offered in this country feels mediocre or cheap, I feel comforted knowing that someone is offering their full attention to create something beautiful to share with this world.

Read about my first time at Destroyer here.

Location

Destroyer
3578 Hayden Ave
Culver City, CA 90232