Cannabis Chef opens new bar and lounge in SoCal

Nostalgia Bar and Lounge is owned and operated by famed cannabis chef Chris Sayegh of The Herbal Chef. It recently celebrated its grand opening at the end of February in Santa Monica, California.

Food has always been a part of Chris Sayegh’s life. From his experiences as a youth hosting cook-offs in his parents’ garden to his personal discovery of cannabis while studying molecular cell biology and physiology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Sayegh’s influence on the culinary infusion of cannabis is in the upscale Legendary kitchen. His company, The Herbal Chef, has exponentially raised the bar for cannabis edibles since its inception in 2013. In the February 2022 issue, he spoke to High Times about his first experiences with cannabis and how it led to where he is today.

“Cannabis deserves to be recognized as a superfood and layered with other foods,” Sayegh told the High Times. “It’s about time guests were educated on this point. To me, cannabis is just another food at the table with the added bonus of inducing happiness. My team and I experience this every time we feed our guests. It’s not rocket science, it’s the science of foods that build and heal.”

Sayegh’s values ​​have led to the creation of Nostalgia Bar and Lounge, a 21+ venue that does not offer infused food but offers a wide variety of unique dishes, live music and most importantly, tantalizing CBD and terpene-enriched cocktails.

The menu changes regularly throughout the season, following the latest inspirations from Sayegh and Executive Chef Jared Ventura to showcase fine dining inspired by childhood favorites. Current offerings include Branzino Fish & Chips, Lobster Rolls with Caviar, Dry Aged Porterhouse Burger with Wagyu Fat, Kobe Toast and seasonal bites.

Back in 2018, the Los Angeles Department of Health and Human Services banned cannabis cocktails pending the passage of Assembly Bill 45 — legalizing CBD in food, beverages, cosmetics, and dietary supplements beginning October 2021. Now, Nostalgia is bringing the infused cocktails back to Enchanted Tiki Whip (a play on the popular Dole Whip across Disney theme parks), WooHoo (inspired by YooHoo Chocolate Milk), and How Many Licks (featuring flavors that mimic those of a Tootsie Pop). Better still, each drink can also be infused with CBD or terpenes upon request.

Nostalgia is also where the Secret Supper Club takes place – a limited, private, members-only “talk joint”. The Herbal Chef said it will be bringing the event back on April 4th. The Secret Supper Club was originally formed in 2020 “in response to rules and regulations that decimated the food industry and continue to criminalize the use of herbal medicines.” Secret Supper Club says The Herbal Chef’s website. The club invites 10 to 20 members to enjoy a 12-course meal with infused cocktails and matching wines.

Courtesy of the Secret Supper Club

“Each plate is expertly dosed according to personal tolerance levels – our aim is to accentuate every dish with cannabis. We take every precaution to ensure our guests never feel overwhelmed, but if you’re looking to travel to the stars, we’re more than happy to accommodate you.” Chefs Sayegh and Ventura agree that’s the inspiration behind the Secret Supper Club to celebrate cannabis infusions.

“The Secret Supper Club menu is about providing our members with a fully integrated cannabis hospitality experience, and at its core is food and beverage excellence,” The Herbal Chef told The High Times.

With many live music plans and lots of excitement to follow Nostalgia’s menu options circulating, we’re excited to see what this bar and lounge will continue to offer locals and visitors to Santa Monica, California in the future.