It seems LA is my fine wine, improving with time. Since I last typed we've been fortunate enough to absolutely DESTROY IT in LA...TWICE. These food forays have been of such quality and depth that they cannot exist in the same blog entry. Let's begin with the most recent trip (from this weekend) and I'll tackle the other trip another time.
My wife HATES the term "food trip" but when the food scene is as vibrant as LA right now it's hard to not be left with the food as a singular impression. Having said this, we did partake in activities other than eating. Here are some highlights:
Bob Hope (Burbank) Airport:
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| SWA at Bob Hope Airport (Stock Pic) |
If ever you have a choice to fly into LAX or Burbank go Burbank. We choose to fly this trip since flight costs were exceptionally low. We typically stay in West Hollywood so Burbank is a bit closer than LAX. But the real benefit is the Lilliputian size of Bob Hope Airport. Shorter lines, smaller terminals, AND you walk out onto the tarmac to board..from the front and back of the plane.
Republique:
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| Republique |
A new and welcome addition to my LA top 5. Approachable, simple and hardy French-ish fare in an exceptional space. We had a 8:30 res and the place was jumping. LA is rife with places where beautiful people flock to eat mediocre food. This is not one of them. Beautiful people: Check. Beautiful food and wine: Double Check. After a chat with the knowledgable Somm we went off wine list with a gorgeous Chablis and Gamay Combo.
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| Chablis and Gamay All Day!! |
Dauvissat makes a wonderful and steely Chablis that was ready to go even though it was just a baby. For anyone who believes that they don't like Beaujolais, I give you Foillard Cote de Py. This Bojo is the standard by which every Bojo should be judged. Food? Super fresh Oysters and Mussels in a simple white sauce. Lots of bread with Normandy Butter to soak up all that Mussel juice. Mediterranean Octopus over cabbage with watermelon, lime and chilis was flawless.
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| Escargot en Croute |
Escargot en Croute was another table fave. Little puff pastries toping small ceramic containers full of hot, buttery, chewy goodness. Poured out into the pastry caps; wine, garlic, snail, BAM!!! Classic Duck Leg Confit made me wonder why the hell duck would EVER be prepared any other way.
California Science Center:
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| Endeavour |
Great museum, especially for kids. Cool Exhibit on Pompeii. But, this side trip was entirely about seeing the decommissioned Space Shuttle Endeavour up close and personal. Oh the places you've been old girl. Endeavour spent almost a commulative year in space and traveled more than 122 MILLION miles. It's time to hang up your dancing shoes. You did good.
Gjelina:
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| Gjelina |
Hipster pizza joint on Abbot Kinney in Venice. Dope spot. Beautiful space with a great and lively bar and fantastic indoor and outdoor seating options. Trying to "pull it back" went with a nice Rose from Sylvain Bailly and a Nebbiolo form Camerano off the "by the glass" list. Both were broad and ready to go out of the bottle. Food began with a delicate Escarole Salad and a side of perfectly prepared Brussel Sprouts.
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| 'Za! |
Grilled Laguica Sausage with oyster mushrooms, shallots and white wine were destination worthy and mind numbingly good. Rounded things out with the Duck Sausage Pizza. Killed it!
Canals of Venice:
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| Venice Canals |
When you eat like a Sultan you need to walk it off every now and again lest you no longer be able to fit under a regulation table. We explored the unique and charming architecture and waterway s of the canals which have given Venice it's name. Beautiful and romantic stroll through the alleys and bridges of Venice. Homes range from tiny charmers to shoe horned in mega million mansions. Great way to spend an hour or two.
The Hungry Cat:
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| The Hungry Cat |
Casual Hollywood Raw Bar that hides exceptional food in a simple setting. We came for the Lobster Roll and stayed for the Caviar and Oysters and Champagne and Lamb and Clams and.... Began with a beautiful Ulysse Collin Les Pierrieres Champagne.
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| Bubbles |
Olivier Collin cut his Champagne teeth at Jacques Selosse (which was also on the list at The Cat) and it shows in his bubbles. Restrained yeast and lingering finish make these bubbles a perfect compliment to seafood. Began with a simple 1/2 ounce of Hackleback Caviar and Oysters. Simple is best and these were superb. We moved on to The Lobster Roll and Clams and Lamb. The Lobster Roll was excellent but the Clams and Lamb was transcendent.
Malibu Wines:
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| Malibu Wines |
Possibly the biggest find of the trip. Way...Way...WAY out on Mulholland Drive high above Malibu is this gem. The concept is a BYOF[ood], wine tasting room and store with lots of out door seating in a stunning and rustic setting. Wines are between drinkable and damn tasty. We had a large group there for a birthday party and went through quite a few corks. Rose, Rose Sparking, Mouvedre, Merlot...all solid stuff.
Bestia:
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| Bestia |
Arrive at 9 to one of the hardest covers to get in LA and be told you are couple number 10 waiting for bar seating...OUCH. What does one do? Bribe the hostess of course. Fifty Bucks and Five minutes later we had a prime table (pro tip...you're welcome) Hey, in for a penny, in for a pound. My fifty was amortized nicely over the breadth of the meal. I was craving red burg but when in Rome... Nebbiolo was the call. Somm picked a nice example from Rainoldi to get it popping. Began with Grilled Octopus and Calamari. Simply, the best Octo prep we'd ever had anywhere. Slightly charred and perfect texture over a bed of greens. Finger licking good. Bone Marrow over Spinach Gnocchetti was divine.
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| 'Za! |
From there we had the "I can't believe it's Uni" Uni Pasta and the Alla'nduja Pizza. Both were stunners. Bestia is probably the most exciting place we've been in the LA food scene in a while. The physical space, energy and food are all electric. While I think I'd rather eat at Republique (slightly) I'd rather BE at Bestia. Put it on your list
Mrs. Fish:
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| Mrs. Fish |
DTLA is "On The Come Up". Mrs. Fish is a little different. Think super club but where they play rock and roll instead of Calvin Harris. Bottle Service is a must. I loath crowds and need my own space. Typical pricing on Champagne and Vodka. Killer cool space and a good way to spend a birthday with friends.
If you twisted my arm and made me pic a favorite it would be Republique. If you made me pick a place most likely to impress your food friend from NYC, it would be Bestia. Either way, ANY of the food or fun choices we made this trip were on point. LA, you never disappoint.
Thanks for reading!
Doc Jay
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