This May, the aptly named rooftop lounge Perch will take the concept of a chic elevated resting place to a new level. Inspired by French bistros and located in downtown’s Pershing Square Building, the 3-story establishment boasts breathtaking views of the city and an eclectic menu of approachable versions of classic French dishes. “It’s a French girl in an American dress,” said partner Coly Den Haan. “We’ve reinvented the traditional rooftop bar and eliminated the pretentiousness to make it more inclusive. No velvet ropes, no dress code. Just good food and cocktails with great service,” added partner Rachel Thomas. Four years ago, Thomas and Den Haan joined forces to establish The Must wine bar (www.themustbar.com). Now they’ve paired up with building owner and real estate developer Jeffrey Fish to create the latest Los Angeles restaurant Perch. Together, the team will execute its distinct vision to make the Pershing Square Building the ultimate evening destination by establishing multiple dining and entertainment venues within the space. “What sets Perch apart from other spaces is the uninterrupted view,” Thomas said. “The perimeter is all glass, so you feel as though you’re floating up there. You can gaze at the sunset and watch the planes flying into LAX.” Perch’s inviting interior features a whimsical French décor with warm wood accents and custom upholstered deco-influenced sofas that sit on hand-painted tile. Outside, iron dining furniture complements wicker lounge pieces. Patrons can cozy up in front of the two fireplaces or socialize by the fire pits while they sip a selection from Perch’s extensive cognac and Armagnac lists. Guests who come to mange can choose a delectable dish from the menu created by Chef Benjamin Udave, formerly the executive chef of The Jonathon Club. “The idea was to make French food, which most people are intimidated by, more approachable using classic ingredients,” Den Haan said. Appetizers range from $8 to $18, and entrees range from $15 to $30. Perch will also feature an impressive selection of French-inspired wine and beer, well as a unique champagne list. Perch will have an array of live entertainment on various nights consisting of dj's, live music and special guest entertainers including burlesque and cabaret acts. “We want to be that bridge between the financial district and arts district,” Thomas said. “We came downtown because we like the architecture and space, but the sense of community keeps us here,” Den Haan added. In addition to opening Perch, Thomas and Den Haan will re-open The Must at its new location this fall. Housed on the ground floor of the Pershing Square Building, The Must will serve lunch, dinner, late night drinks and weekend brunch. “We wanted to keep as much of the original integrity as we could and be in the closest proximity to the original Must as possible,” Den Haan said. “This space has both of those aspects, but it’s a little bigger and has a patio and a private wine cellar.” While the menu and the hours of operation will expand, old favorites, like Yo’ Mamma’s Pan Seared Jidori Chicken and the Fluffernutter, will stay the same. Theme nights will also return, as guests can expect to participate in friendly competitions including ‘Name That Tune’ Mondays and ‘Board Game Night’ Sundays.
Benjamin Udave began his official career at Chef Tim Goodell’s Red Pearl Kitchen in Huntington Beach. He has held positions with Hollywood’s White Lotus Restaurant and Red Carpet Catering, and helped open the Home Depot Center in Carson as Chef de Cuisine. Most recently, Benjamin was Executive Chef of all five restaurant concepts at the prestigious Jonathan Club in Santa Monica. Benjamin looks forward to applying his talent and creative approach to cooking to the unique style of cuisine at Perch, the aptly named rooftop lounge Perch located in downtown’s Pershing Square Building. The 3-story establishment boasts breathtaking views of the city and an eclectic menu of approachable versions of classic French dishes. “It’s a French girl in an American dress,” said partner Coly Den Haan. “We’ve reinvented the traditional rooftop bar and eliminated the pretentiousness to make it more inclusive.”
