*Skinny Seal*
A wonderful new restaurant has opened and my only complaints
thus far are that they run out of blueberry bread too early and that its too
far away from my house (it’s in Brentwood). Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne already were said to own a
couple of the top restaurants in LA (Lucques and AOC) and I might argue that
Tavern is even better than its predecessors.
There is no sign of the long gone hamburger hamlet that once occupied
the space. Instead olive green
velvet booths line what’s known as the “blue room” and small steps lead to an
indoor patio with glass ceilings and more sofa seating. The more lively seating is in the blue
room and the bar is usually bustling by 7 with people socializing and awaiting
a great meal. Being that it is
Brentwood, the space is usually full of a much older crowd. So old in fact that my grandparents
would feel right at home here. But
a few youngsters are mixed in…ones with discerning tastes no less.
As
far as the food, I don’t even know where to begin as everything I’ve tasted
here I’ve loved. My first time I
sampled an appetizer of roasted asparagus with polenta, pecorino and a fried
egg. A simple dish that is being
done allover this town in various ways, and this version was a star. Since my first visit the menu has
changed several times. I have now
had the pleasure of having the soft-shell crab-perfect, watermelon and ricotta salad,
light and refreshing, their fries and onion rings and most recently the corn
and crab salad-my favorite.
Entrees are even better…duck used to be paired with sweet bing cherries,
black rice and pistachio, but now is served with red grapes instead of the
cherries-a combo that I wouldn’t expect, but I fell in love with. Market fish is often a barramundi that
comes in a tomato gazpacho with labne and cucumber. I love this dish and the labne is the perfect accompaniment
to the fish.
Halibut is grilled with fig leaves, wild mushrooms, pancetta and fresh
figs and is amazing!! I ate the entire thing, which I rarely do. Their homemade snickers bar is hard to
beat for dessert, but skip the strawberry coupe…it was plain and felt as though
something was missing…sugar maybe?
Tavern 11648 San Vicente (310) 806-6464
