JUN 18: ROCKSUGAR PAN ASIAN KITCHEN THROWS LAUNCH PARTY IN CENTURY CITY; NEW EATERY OPENS TO PUBLIC JUN 19 WITH TASTES FROM A HALF DOZEN ASIAN NATIONS

Event Report and Restaurant Preview by Don Rose

(June 18, 2008 : Century City, CA) Tonight, the most spacious and lavishly decorated Asian restaurant in Los Angeles (not to mention the tallest and tastiest) launched in grand style, as RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen held its kickoff VIP party, one day before it opens to the public. The guests in attendance were a vibrant, energetic mix of VIPs, media, agents, foodies, performers and celebs. Hundreds of hungry partygoers mixed and mingled within the sumptuous space, enjoying some of RockSugar's signature dishes, including a square curry-beef-in-dough appetizer, salmon wraps, fried rice with perfectly prepared shrimp (our fave), spring rolls, chicken samosas - and for dessert, terrific tofu cheesecake and coconut donut holes. Yum and a half!

Everywhere you went, animated conversations flowed as plentifully as the drinks, as the open bar and tantalizing tastes kept the energy level high (as did the DJ). We enjoyed chatting with Peter Mehlman, former Seinfeld writer (who now does, among other creative pursuits, very funny commentaries on occasion for NPR's Day To Day show), Greg Lindsay (actor/director who was a regular on the TV hit Las Vegas and has a new film he directed coming out soon), and Daniel Maltzman, a hot LA artist with a killer studio full of stylish pop paintings, known for graciously opening his studio for charity events (and who has a cool line of wildly styled wristbands, each quite unique and fun to wear).

The LA Report recommends you come visit this new and highly anticipated addition to the Los Angeles dining scene. Not only is the food fantastic, but the decor is as delightful and delicious as the dishes. According to OpenTable.com, RockSugar opens to the public on June 19th (for dinner), with lunch service beginning on June 21st. The blogosphere is buzzing about this place, which has ties to the Cheesecake Factory franchise.

More about the restaurant

RockSugar is an upscale casual destination from restaurateur David Overton and Singapore-raised, New York-trained chef Mohan Ismail (Spice Market, Tabla, Blue Hill). The new eatery showcases the cuisines of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and yes, even India. Drawing upon "memories of family meals his mother made," Mohan's dishes are served "Asian family-style" to create "an atmosphere that encourages sharing and conversation." RockSugar, which takes its name from an ingredient used by Asian chefs, features a full bar with an extensive wine list and exotic cocktails -- plus an onsite bakery that creates fresh desserts blending French flair and Asian influence.

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Cuisine: Asian, Pan-Asian, Thai
Neighborhood: Century City
Menu: View menu on restaurant's website
Price: $31 to $50
Website: http://www.rocksugarpanasiankitchen.com/
Email: 6001MGR@RockSugarPanAsianKitchen.com
Phone: (310) 552-9988

Hours of Operation:
Lunch: Monday - Sunday: 11:30am - 5:30pm
Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 10:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:30pm - 11:00pm
Payment Options:AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Executive Chef: Mohan Ismail
Dress Code: Casual Dress
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Offers: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking Area, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Parking: Public Lot
Parking Details: Public and Valet Parking available at the mall.

Private Party Facilities: A lovely private dining room features a secluded patio lined by a tranquil water wall. Multi media capabilities make the room an ideal setting for a wide range of occasions including meetings, viewing parties, cocktail receptions and dinners.
Private Party Contact: Reservationist (310) 552-9988

RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Westfield Century City Mall, Los Angeles, CA 90067. (310) 552-9988.