It’s No Joke — The Netflix Bites Restaurant Is Serious About the Food
Pat Saperstein Deputy Editor Ever since Netflix announced it would be opening a Los Angeles pop-up restaurant, the jokes have been flying on social media. Would the servers use an algorithm to ask, “Since you liked grilled cheese, can we suggest broccoli?” Would you be allowed to share food with your friends or would it be forbidden, like Netflix password-sharing? But at the preview night Tuesday for Netflix Bites at Short Stories Hotel on Fairfax, it was clear that the seriously delicious menu for the three-month pop-up, inspired by the streamer’s food programming, was no laughing matter. Imaginative cocktails from mixologists, like “Drink Masters” contestant Kate Gerwin,got guests in the mood with concoctions like the Oaxacan on Top of the World, while Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos mingled with the chefs. Netflix’s VP of Live Experiences Greg Lombardo welcomed guests, explaining, “We’re always focused on bringing our fans closer to the stories that they love. Netflix Bites affords us a unique opportunity to bridge food and entertainment in this incredible unique way.”