Chef Aaron Mitrano has created an interesting menu at The Abbey, with dishes like the twisted Cobb with a panko crusted soft boiled egg on top. (photo by Jill Weinlein)

When the glamorous Elizabeth Taylor passed away on March 23, 2011, people from all around the world mourned her loss. A group of her fans gathered at The Abbey in West Hollywood to memorialize the Academy award-winning actress and philanthropist.

Taylor loved The Abbey. She would come at least once a week, towards the later stages of her life, to enjoy the vibrant energy.

According to David Cooley, the owner of The Abbey, Ms. Taylor once asked him,  “Since I am such a regular, if I bring in a portrait of myself, would you hang it up on the wall?” Cooley smiled from ear-to-ear and said, “It would be my pleasure.”

Her portrait hangs in the “Elizabeth Taylor Room” for all to see. Fans and tour buses stop by regularly to pay homage to one of the most well-recognized actresses in the world.

The day she died, the bartenders made Blue Velvet martinis in her honor. The proceeds from the bluish drink made with vodka and blueberry schnapps were given to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, which has raised almost $300 million for the cause.

The personality of The Abbey changes depending on the day and time of day. On Sunday mornings, families take their children to the nearby park to play and then go to The Abbey for a cup of joe and Graceland French toast with peanut butter, bananas and caramel or a breakfast burrito with eggs, bacon, potato and avocado.

In the afternoon, a handsome crowd gathers to sip one of the 22 different 10 oz. martinis. The wild berry martini put The Abbey on the map as one of the best spots for a cocktail. Then, during the evening when the sun goes down, the restaurant/bar heats up and becomes a popular hip-hop place.

I’ve been hearing good things about the new menu created by Executive Chef, Daniel Elmaleh and Chef Aaron Mitrano and wanted to check out the lively ambience.

The refreshing watermelon salad with fresh herbs is the ideal dish for a hot summer day. (photo by Jill Weinlein)

We started with three colorful summer salads. The first had large pieces of bright red watermelon, cantaloupe, cilantro, radish, and lychee. It was dressed with basil, a hint of salt, pepper, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The contrast of the savory herbs with the sweetness of the farmers market fruit resulted in a refreshing salad with a zesty finish.

Another  salad was brilliant colored yellow, orange and red heirloom tomatoes with feta cheese, smoked sea salt, basil and garlic blossoms, a  crisp and cooling dish.

My favorite was the twisted Cobb salad with frisée, spicy arugula, creamy avocado, bacon and blue cheese crumble. Chef Aaron softly poached an egg, then rolled it in a buttermilk panko, and quickly fried it. When the egg is sliced in half, the yolk runs down onto the lettuce to give it an additional zing.

The tender and savory pork sliders had been braised for at least 12 hours. They were served with housemade Carolina mustard barbecue sauce and lightly breaded onion rings.

Next arrived the tempura rock shrimp with a sweet and spicy aioli infused with Fresno chilies and garnished with a few candied walnuts.

For those who crave Southern comfort food, the chicken and biscuits dish rests in a pool of maple ham country gravy. The chicken is all thigh meat dipped into saltine crackers to create a lightly seasoned crust.

We nibbled on the mini or “two-bite” chicken, carnitas, poblano and cheese, steak and fish tacos, served with cilantro, lime and radish on housemade corn tortillas. On Taco Tuesdays they are a bargain at $1.50 each.

Since The Abbey started as a coffeehouse, it will always have the coffee bar with fresh desserts from Sweet Lady Jane. I ordered a red velvet Ding-Dong. This nostalgic treat is made with moist red velvet cake dipped in rich chocolate.

Don’t be surprised if you see one of the cast members from the “Beverly Hills Housewives”, Kristin Cavallari, Christina Aguliera, or Queen Latifa dining here. Cooley’s restaurant attracts all types of people due to his great cocktails, top-notch food and vivacious atmosphere.

Valet parking is available as well as in the  WEHO park parking structures, just doors down from The Abbey.  Open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day. $$ 692 N. Robertson Blvd. (310)289-8410.