Monsieur Dior by Dominique Crenn

After traveling through Paris, Morocco (A 10 Day Moroccan Adventure with Kim Larkin Adventures), and New York, saying I experienced culture shock upon returning to the United States - especially Los Angeles - would be an understatement. I was grateful that New York helped brace me for the transition, but Los Angeles hit differently.

I felt disoriented. Off. Untethered. I needed to find my anchor again.

Thankfully, I had planned dinner with Johann for the Friday after my return. After my visit to Bar Crenn in San Francisco, I’d messaged him about Monsieur Dior by Dominique Crenn opening at the Beverly Hills Christian Dior boutique.

That dinner ended up being exactly what I didn’t know I needed. I needed to reconnect – with myself.

As I arrived a bit earlier than Johann, I checked in and settled into the bar area.

I quickly ordered the Crimson star (Cherry, Absinthe, Bourbon). Once it arrived, I felt myself relax and my shoulders drop almost immediately within the first sip.

The anxiety softened. Still, there was this quiet, persistent feeling inside me – like something big was coming. Something expansive. Not tomorrow, not immediately, but soon. As if 2026 was waiting for me, and I was standing in a line I couldn’t yet move out of.

Sips of my cocktail comforted me. A few minutes in, the host led me to our waiting table.

Once Johann arrived, we eased into the evening.

Our bread service (mixed – Sourdough and brioche) was warm and delicious. The evening’s amuse-bouche (tomato, buckwheat shell, charred jalapeño aïoli) was stunning.

I tasted a few wines and settled on a glass of A Tribute to Grace’s 2022 Grenache from Santa Barbara’s Highlands Vineyard.

We began dinner with Agnolotti Cousu Main (Black Truffle Agnolotti, Mushroom Consommé). The visual brilliance and consommé was distinct and refined.

The Tuna Violette Bouquet (Dry-Aged Tuna Tartare, Purple Yam Chips, Sesame) soon followed.

For our shared mains, the Salmon Rouge (Confit Salmon, Fermented Red Pepper & Clams, Grilled Spinach) and the Guinea Hen Rodeo (Guinea Hen, Maitake Mushroom, Pickled Turnips, Potato Millefeuille) were delicate expressions of brilliance.

When our desserts – the Feuilles Caramel (Hojicha Tea Bavarois, Salted Caramel, Almond), Citrus Passion (Citrus Panna Cotta, Passion Fruit, Apricot) and another special little chocolate treat arrived to our table, I felt – whole.

That’s the beautiful thing about restaurants when they’re done right: every time you sit at the table, it should feel as though you’re the only one who has ever been there before.

Johann and I both agreed that we enjoyed Monsieur Dior more than Gucci Osteria Beverly Hills. Gucci feels heavy. This space felt open - joyous, refined, and quietly expensive. It invited contemplation, whether seated inside or out on the balcony. The seamless flow from restaurant to shoppable home space to lounge bar felt intentional, cohesive, and warm - each area impeccably designed without losing its soul.

Every bite grounded me. It reminded me why I do what I do. Why I document experiences through photography and the written word.

Yes, Morocco changed me.

But I am still the same person.

I still appreciate quiet luxury.

Intentional dining.

Deep friendship.

And moments that remind me who I am.

As we left and said goodbye, I relished walking through the Dior home goods section.

Dinner at Monsieur Dior by Dominique Crenn was a beautiful experience, filled with thoughtful cuisine and much needed conversation with a dear friend.

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