*Issa Rae, the celebrated actress, writer, producer, and director, has officially added the title of restaurateur to her impressive portfolio with the launch of her new restaurant, Somerville.
Known primarily for her groundbreaking work in television—particularly the HBO series Insecure —Rae’s latest venture aims to uplift her hometown of South Central Los Angeles while honoring the area’s rich cultural heritage.
On November 26, Rae announced the opening of Somerville via an enthusiastic Instagram post that showcased a slideshow from a private soft launch event at the restaurant. In her heartfelt caption, she expressed how this dream had long been in the making.
“Always wanted a neighborhood lounge to complement the special community that is View Park-Windsor Hills. The genius GVO Gentlemen said, how about a restaurant? @somerville.slauson — an ode to the classic, artistic past of Black South Central L.A? And sure, the ambiance will be fantastic, but the food and cocktails will keep you coming back… I said: 🏃🏾♀️🍽️🍸🤤,” she wrote.
She concluded with: “Thanks to all who came to support this first weekend! Seat yourself at Somerville, Wed-Sunday from 6p-11p (ps – it capped me at 20 tags. don’t be mad if I didn’t tag you!).”
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A Vision Brought to Life
With Somerville, Rae hopes to create a gathering place that provides excellent food and cocktails and fosters a sense of community within the neighborhood. The restaurant is designed to offer a “progressive American dining experience” that blends contemporary cuisine with the rich cultural stories of South Central Los Angeles.
The restaurant’s menu offers an array of options, featuring shareable plates such as shrimp cocktails, caviar, and fried chicken sliders, as well as heartier entrees including pan-seared ora king salmon, braised Australian lamb shank, and a unique collard green lasagna. With sides like truffle fries and baked macaroni and cheese, Somerville seeks to combine classic flavors with modern cooking techniques, inviting both locals and visitors to indulge in a comprehensive dining experience.
Uplifting the Community
The location of Somerville on W. Slauson Avenue holds significant meaning for Rae, as it is strategically placed in the Historic View Park-Windsor Hills area. This area is known for its strong Black cultural identity, and Rae’s commitment to celebrating this heritage is embedded in the restaurant’s mission. “It’s an ode to the past, a toast to the present, and a celebration of the progress in between,” the restaurant’s website states.
Throughout her career, Rae has consistently sought to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, and Somerville represents yet another extension of her dedication to fostering cultural and culinary representation in Los Angeles. By establishing a restaurant serving as a dining destination and community hub, Rae reinforces her commitment to giving back to her roots.
The Future Looks Bright
As Somerville (www.somervilleslauson.com) opens its doors from Wednesday to Sunday, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at 4437 W. Slauson Avenue in LA’s View Park section, Rae continues to make strides beyond her work in television and film.
Her entrepreneurial spirit shines brightly through this venture, joining a list of successful pursuits that include her production company, a coffee shop, a record label, and even a Prosecco collection.
Issa Rae’s journey—from creating relatable characters on-screen to serving delightful dishes off-screen—reflects her unwavering commitment to authenticity, community, and empowerment.
As she embarks on this new chapter, patrons can expect not only an enjoyable dining experience but also a celebration of the culture and community that Somerville promises to deliver.
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