Hippo

Hippo in Highland Park offers exceptional creative dishes, creating the ideal backdrop for memorable meals and heartfelt moments

Hippo is one of those quintessential Highland Park gems that effortlessly combines exceptional food, stunning decor, and an unbeatable vibe, making every visit feel just right.

But, this particular visit was bittersweet, as it marked the last dinner I would share with two very dear friends who were moving back East.

I first met Chris during my time as a real estate agent at Douglas Elliman Real Estate, and we quickly became fast friends. Over the years, our friendship grew stronger, but life has a way of taking people in different directions. Chris and his partner Jeff were relocating to Virginia. As such, I picked Hippo as our final gathering as a table of 3.

I started off with a glass of Azienda Vinicola Calabretta’s 2022 “Cala Cala” wine, an Etna Rosso from Italy. The wine’s tasting notes hinted at dried cherries, volcanic undertones, and a hint of licorice.

For me, it was a distinct and wonderful Sicilian wine from Mount Etna area that I love that reminded me of my time in Sicily. It was distinctly reflective of the mountain terrain where it was crafted.

As I sipped, I tried to focus on the joy of the moment, rather than start tearing up over goodbyes.

The meal began with the “HIPPO ROLLS” (sea salt & honey butter), served glistening hot with sprinkles of  sea salt. They’re a bit like Parker House rolls and are utterly delicious.

Next up, was the GARDEN LETTUCES & RADISH VINAIGRETTE (fresh dill, toasted walnuts & shallots). This was a vibrant dish in which the dill was the stand out star.

Each bite was a reminder of why I love Hippo so much. The salad, in particular, was a forkful of pleasure in every bite. It distinctly reminded me of the salad Matt and I shared at lolo wine bar.

Following, the SHAVED BRUSSELS SPROUTS (toasted almonds, mint, lemon, parmigiano reggiano) arrived to the table. It was a standout for Chris and Jeff, even among the other incredible dishes we ordered.

For the main course, we indulged in an array of savory delights: the TAGLIOLINI (duck ragù) with its hearty sauce, CEDAR SMOKED OCEAN TROUT (umbrian lentils in soffrito, mushrooms “a la grecque,” aceto balsamico) and the GRILLED CHICKEN THIGHS (aji panca, griddi’d potatoes & arugula) were brilliant.

Each dish was a masterpiece, but my personal favorites were the chicken thighs and the garden lettuces.

As we shared the dishes, we reminisced about old times, cracked jokes, and soaked in the warmth of our friendship. It was heartwarming and smile inducing.

But – my mood shifted when our server brought out the HIPPO ESPRESSO MARTINI (espresso, amaro, coconut, cacao, mezcal). It was then that the reality of the moment hit me, and the tears began to flow.

As I grow older, the inevitability of losing friendships, whether through distance, life changes, or even death, feels increasingly raw and real. Chris’s quick wit, Jeff’s grounding presence and our shared love for discovering and trying out wonderful Los Angeles restaurants – like Lavo –  are things I’ll deeply miss.

On the other hand, I also know and fully understand that they’re embarking on a new chapter, one that will bring them happiness and growth. And at the end of the day, that’s all you can wish for your friends – happiness, fulfillment, and the knowledge that love and connection endure, even from the other side of the United States.

Reflecting on my previous visits to Hippo, I’ve been fortunate to try so many of their standout dishes: the ROYAL HAMACHI CRUDO (fresh tangerines, lime, mint, fresh serrano chili); the BARBECUED PORK COUNTRY RIB (fennel sausage, borlotti beans, radicchio) the PORK RAGU HANGER STEAK; BUFALA MOZZARELLA (16 month prosciutto di san danielle, fett’unta); the GRIDDLE’D SEA SCALLOPS (parsnip purée, brown butter, capers, lemon, parsley) and more. Every single time, it’s been exceptional meal.

At Hippo, I’ve comforted a friend dealing with the shocking grief of suddenly losing a parent; I’ve celebrated seeing a friend for the first time in months during COVID lockdowns and I’ve celebrated life itself and the joyful pleasures of good food. For me, Hippo is more than just a restaurant. It’s a place to experience the moments of life that matter.

My dinner with Chris and Jeff, though I smiled through my tears, was a beautiful reminder of the power of good food, great company, and the enduring connection we share with the friends we love.

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