09 Aug Unity LA at the Hyatt Regency LAX – Where LA’s Diversity and Friends Come Together

As someone who travels a lot, I have had to eat a few meals at airports before catching a flight. Sometimes I have stayed at a hotel near the airport in order to catch an early morning flight.  All of these scenarios have caused a level of dread since to date, airport hotels are usually not the most desirable place to want to eat or sleep. But, in recent years, airport hotels and their food offerings have started to trend upscale. One of these airports is my home-base, LAX. Just outside the entrance to LAX is the recently renovated Hyatt Regency LAX. Walking in, you will never believe you are at the airport. The hotel is mid-century modern and is striking in its clean, open spaces. Inside the Hyatt Regency LAX is the hotel restaurant called Unity LA. There are three distinct dining concepts at Unity LA – there is a self-service market, a bar and a full-service restaurant. Unity LA will change your idea about dining at an airport hotel restaurant. Upon walking into the Hyatt Regency LAX, you will first see Unity Bar LA, which offers a lively environment to enjoy food and drink in a community setting. To the left of the bar, Unity LA Market offers quick grab-and-go options. And just past the market is the dining room of Unity LA. The three concepts at Unity LA offer a play on the diversity that Los Angeles has to offer. If you are traveling to Los Angeles but due to a short stop-over, you cannot explore the food diversity of the city, Unity LA brings it together at the airport. Inspired by Asian and Mexican cuisines unique to Los Angeles neighborhoods, Unity LA also takes advantage of the abundance of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Burrata and Watermelon – The sweetness of the watermelon and the creaminess of the burrata, topped with lemon oil and sea salt, make a lovely simple summer salad. Scallops and Papaya – Four Togarashi dusted sea scallops sit on a bed of green papaya, apple pear and mint with fish Sauce and pickled Thai chiles for a little kick. Charred Korean Sticky Ribs –  Inspired by Koreatown, the grilled Korean short ribs have a soy glaze and are topped with kimchee aioli, scallions and roasted peanuts. Shrimp Ceviche Tostada – In fairness, the menu item is misleading. This was not a ceviche tosada as the shrimp are grilled but it is tasty nonetheless. The tostada is topped with avocado puree, grilled pineapple, pickled onions, aji amarillo and tajin. Grilled Skuna Bay Salmon – A large cut of salmon sits on top of garlic steamed rice and sautéed pea tendrils with a Thai Red Curry Vinaigrette that adds a little heat. Drunken Noodles – Inspired by Thai Town, the wide rice noodles come with crispy tofu, Chinese broccoli and fried eggs in a brown sauce and topped with Thai basil and radish sprouts. Shrimp or chicken can also be added. For those traveling through LAX, head to Unity LA if you have a little extra time in your layover. And, if you live in LA, Unity LA is a great place to meet a friend or business colleague who may be passing through. Why meet over a mediocre, at best, pre-made sandwich just outside the terminal when you can sit and enjoy a few tasty dishes and get a feel for the food diversity of LA. Unity LA Hyatt Regency LAX 6225 W Century Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90045