LA Market by Kerry Simon shares the floor with the luxurious Ritz Carlton Residences in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. With neighbors such as Staple Center and Nokia Theatre, this modern neon lit restaurant is the perfect spot for a pre-Laker game happy hour or an upscale dinner with friends before a concert. Chef Kerry Simon has taken a “rock n roll” spin on an American Cuisine with a garnish of good old-fashioned Southern flavor. LA Market’s lively setting features an open kitchen where we watched these culinary masters at work. Chef de Cuisine Nona Sivley, winner of Gordon Ramsey’s "Hell's Kitchen Season 8,” is Chef Kerry Simon’s second in command at this ultra-hip eatery.

Starting our dinner with the spicy New Orleans inspired BBQ shrimp and grits still has my mouth watering. Even though I am a Southern boy at heart and a New Orleans local, this version of shrimp and grits definitely did not disappoint in comparison. I could tell one of these master chefs was a Southerner, which David our waiter, assured us that Chef Nona Sively in the kitchen was actually from Louisiana. I knew this just by tasting her dish. Ironically as an acoustic rendition of the classic Rolling Stones song “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” hummed in the background we ordered a spiked watermelon from an iPad in the middle of the table. While our specialty drinks were being freshly prepared, we discussed our next course. To be honest, I was apprehensive about the sushi. However, we decided on the Tuna Dynamite anyway (what a surprise), which was piled high with fresh lump crabmeat, tuna and red chili aioli. This Asian-inspired dish tasted equally as delicious as an authentic sushi bar, but with an American twist, of course. For our entrée, we requested the tenderloin of beef complemented by potato gratin, seasonal oven roasted tomatoes, broccoli rabe, and a black pepper balsamic sauce. The beef was cooked to perfection. The Garcon insisted we taste the lobster stuffed Mac and Cheese as well, which ended up being our favorite.

LA Market by Kerry Simon has a laid-back, welcoming vibe, impeccable service and is recommended for anyone looking for a relaxing view of L.A. LIVE’s central plaza and entertainment district. Also suggested for after dinner drinks is the ION rooftop pool bar. ION, located on the 4th floor of the JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE, is Los Angeles’ hottest new open air. The sophisticated space offers views of the Los Angeles skyline and L.A. LIVE.

• Jonathan Stinson

LA Market by Kerry Simon 900 West Olympic Blvd., 1st Floor Los Angeles, CA 90015 (213) 765-8630