Hollywood glamour of the 1930s and ‘40s inspired the elegant and modern design of the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Beverly Hills. Thick glass doors open to a pearly white marble lobby where professional staff courteously greet guests.

The presentation of the ahi tuna tartare resembles a flower,
blooming with flavor. (photo by Emily Jilg)

The décor of the 170 guest rooms is contemporary chic with white leather walls and celadon green and taupe color schemes. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto oversized balconies offering impeccable views of Beverly Hills and Century City.

The luxuriousness of the guest rooms is matched by the splendor of the rooftop lounge, where glass retaining walls give the illusion of walking to the edge.  A fireplace and heaters keep guests warm while they enjoy craft cocktails and nibble on afternoon snacks.

The Rooftop by JG serves lunch and dinner, and small plates to share with friends. It’s the perfect spot for people-watching and soaking up some sunshine.

Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten opened his namesake restaurant at the Waldorf Astoria, bringing his love for the exotic flavors of the East into his cooking.

Vongerichten said he created the menu for Jean-Georges Beverly Hills with the focus on healthier choices, lighter lunch fare and simplicity. A section of the menu is devoted to “Simply Cooked” entrées served with blistered shishito peppers and citrus chili sauce, again with a nod to his Asian influences.

King salmon, roasted organic chicken and wagyu beef tenderloin are some of the selections from the “Simply Cooked” menu.

More composed dishes are the veal chop Milanese, the grilled lamb chops and the Parmesan-crusted organic chicken.

Recently, Jean-Georges Beverly Hills introduced “Lunch 38,” bringing back the power lunch for business meetings or those on a time-sensitive schedule.

The prix-fixe lunch in 60 minutes for $38 offers three courses, with eight appetizers, six entrées and two desserts from which to select.

Start with a glass of the Jean-Georges label bubbly Billecart-Salmon Champagne. Specialty iced teas are refreshing, like the blackberry or the pineapple.

Crispy sushi tops sea trout on fried rice cakes. (photo by Emily Jilg)

Radish slices adorning the ahi tuna tartare are arranged like flower petals. Avocado relish serves as the stem of the flower. A silver carafe containing an emulsified ginger dressing accompanies the dish.

Rectangles of fried rice infused with chipotle are topped with sea trout and fresh mint on the crispy sushi appetizer.

A warm shrimp salad with two dressings is quite possibly the best salad I’ve ever tasted. The broiled shrimp are bathed in beurre blanc while frisée and butter lettuces are dressed with a black truffle vinaigrette. The two sauces combine in the bottom of the bowl for a superb flavor combination. The basket of house-made bread comes in handy to swipe and savor every last drop.

Entrées from the “Lunch 38” menu range from simple to extravagant – angel hair pasta with tomato sauce is a classic favorite, while a wagyu cheeseburger is rich and hearty. Striped bass, steak frites and a bigeye tuna burger are other splendid choices.

For dessert, select either the warm chocolate cake with vanilla bean ice cream, or a light coconut or mandarin sorbet.

An à la carte menu is offered as well, if you prefer, but the “Lunch 38” is a perfect opportunity to try several Jean-Georges dishes in under an hour at a terrific price.

Experience the Jean-Georges at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills for a power lunch or elegant dinner. It’s heavenly.

9850 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills. (310)860-6666.

waldorfastoriabeverlyhills.com.