03 Apr Power Lunch in Beverly Hills at Freds at Barneys New York

Do you work in Beverly Hills? Are you a tourist in Beverly Hills? Well, if you are one of these, or just looking for a lunch spot for a power lunch in Beverly Hills, then head to Freds at Barney’s New York. Located on the top floor of Barneys New York, you can walk up the spiral staircase as you eye the fashion on each level, or you can hop up in the elevator. Enter the newly remodeled Freds, named after the grandson of the original owner Barney, also formerly the space of Barneys Greengrass. There is seating inside, but I suggest getting a table on the outdoor terrace where you can look out over Beverly Hills and onto the mountains of LA. It’s a power lunch spot in the heart of Beverly Hills and the prices match. This won’t be an inexpensive lunch but would you expect anything less in this neighborhood? Executive Chef Mark Strausman oversees the three locations (New York, Chicago and Los Angeles). With an Italian background, he has crafted a menu that has something for everyone. Pizza, pasta, salads, sandwiches and fish and meat entrees. There are also vegan options so that every palate will be satisfied. I went with some classic lunch options (salad and a sandwich) on a recent visit which I shared with a friend. Mark’s Madison Avenue Salad – A chopped salad with a dozen vegetables and local salad greens and topped with imported Italian tuna may be named after a New York street but it is a typical California salad – big, fresh and full of ingredients. Beverly Hills Club Sandwich – This sandwich has chunks of fresh shrimp and crab on one layer of seven-grain bread and avocado, bacon, lettuce, tomato and garlic mayo on a second layer. And it’s served with homemade potato chips. Belgian Pommes Frites – Even though the sandwich comes with potato chips, we couldn’t resist thick cut fries. And to finish off lunch, I ordered a macchiato. It’s amazing how many places don’t know how to make a proper macchiato and end up serving an over-sized cappuccino. But Freds scores big points in my book as they know how to make a proper macchiato – a shot of espresso with just a dollop of steamed milk. It’s the perfect end to lunch. If you can’t make it to Freds at Barneys New York for lunch, then head there in the late afternoon for the Sunset Menu and enjoy snacks paired with California inspired cocktails as you watch the sun set over the city. Freds at Barneys New York 9570 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212