Citizen Smith

Given free reign by owner Andrew Belchic to interpret his “bistro for everyman,� Thomas Schoos Design has envisioned a destination that plays upon stark urban contrasts – young and old, light and dark, then and now. Entrances are marked by distressed, antique wooden doors. The Cahuenga Avenue entry opens to a mammoth mahogany bar that runs the length of the dining room, set off by smoked mirrors that reflect the glimmer of Schoos’ signature wall of candlelight. The opposite wall cradles individual, private booths, backed from floor to ceiling in geometric patterns of cowhide – an homage to Piet Mondrian that finds itself repeating throughout the space.

Designed to be altered as the dinner hour meets the late night, the tables are removed and replaced by ottomans, creating intimate, clandestine lounging space. Above, the ceiling treatments reflect the locale of the establishment, with wrought iron chandeliers encased in glass cubes, illuminating transparent photographs of Hollywood residents current and past. The in-your-face glamour of old Hollywood is reawakened in the adjoining dining room, distinguished by a massive bar and wall-sized mirror sheathed in sterling silver. The private Candle Lounge accommodates thirty guests. Diners are seated around one communal table, fashioned from two immense, antique wooden doors. A tangle of tree limbs descends from above, washing the room in a twinkling of candle light.

The Selma entrance to Citizen Smith is flanked by a long, outdoor patio space. Leather banquettes alternate with giant foliage, allowing the tree lined streets of Hollywood to seamlessly continue into the landscape of the restaurant.; The focus of each room, however, is on the Hollywood sight lines that have been meticulously protected. Every window presents a view of ancient neon signs atop historic Hollywood buildings, with every turn of the head providing a new revelation and a new perspective into the glorious past of this world renowned neighborhood.