José Andrés Group Opens Butterfly at The Shay, Culver City
Celebrated Mediterranean restaurant’s first west coast cation launches along with vibrant rooftop restaurant and bar
CULVER CITY, California, December 17, 2024 – Today, José Andrés Group (JAG) debuts Zaytinya and Butterfly at The Shay. The first west coast location of Zaytinya, and José Andrés Group’s first partnership with Hyatt, will introduce its signature mezze-inspired dining experience to the vibrant Culver City community, highlighting the rich culinary traditions of Turkey, Greece, and Lebanon built on José’s deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking and years of research and development. Additionally, José Andrés Group will launch Butterfly, a rooftop celebration of Mexican flavors inspired by JAG’s celebrated DC-based Oyamel, a Bib Gourmand restaurant.
"Los Angeles is such an energizing city – the abundance of creativity, culture, and incredible produce is all so inspiring,” says José Andrés. “I’m so excited to bring Zaytinya, a restaurant that is so near to my heart, and to introduce Butterfly, to this community. Zaytinya will be right at home in Los Angeles’ Mediterranean climate, and Butterfly will be an incredible gathering place for our neighbors of Culver City.”
"We are excited to bring Zaytinya and Butterfly to Culver City, a dynamic hub for art, culture, and innovation," said Sam Bakhshandehpour, Global CEO of José Andrés Group. "José Andrés Group celebrates the power of food to connect people and share diverse cultural stories while gathered around the table, and we can’t wait to welcome the local businesses and residents to our spaces at The Shay."
Butterfly, the rooftop restaurant and bar, opens atop The Shay offering panoramic views of Los Angeles. Just as monarch butterflies migrate through Mexico carrying stories and traditions with them, Butterfly brings with it a taste of Oyamel, JAG’s beloved DC-based Mexican outpost. Elevated by the rooftop’s embrace, the concept intertwines the vibrant spirit of Mexican mythologies with familiar flavors, offering a menu rooted in tacos and ceviche that feels both timeless and freshly reimagined. The cocktail list leans into additive-free, pollinator-friendly agave spirits imbued with California fruits, and will feature the west coast return of José Andrés’ beloved Salt Air Margarita. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, menu highlights include:
- Queso fundido con tequila with fresh corn tortillas.
- Ceviche Citricos, bass in a pineapple-habanero marinade with citrus, jicama and Fresno chiles.
- Col de Brussels estilo San Quintín, crispy brussels sprouts with a chile de arbol sauce, pumpkin seeds, peanuts and lime.
- Hongos en Molito tacos with poblano peppers, Mexican crema, onions and cilantro.
- Pescado Baja Fish Tacos with shredded cabbage, chile de arbol mayo, Mexican crema and salsa Mexicana.
- Carnitas Tacos with avocado salsa verde, chicharon, onions and cilantro.
Situated around the only rooftop pool in Culver City, the open-air space offers panoramic views of the city of Los Angeles with vibrant pops of color incorporating the restaurant’s namesake Butterfly. JAG will oversee food and beverage operations throughout the property, including in-room dining and the lobby bar.