So happy a lot of restaurants are back in swing, though a lack of workforce is apparently hampering operations. No service issues anywhere so far. We’ve really enjoyed being out and about again. Recently dined at Valle & Hatchet Hall. Going to Otono next week (so happy Teresa is back). Really glad some of our favorite places are back up and running and hopefully more will do the same.
Mark Peel is no longer with us. I have had some of my most enjoyable meals in LA from him at Campanille, very warm and approachable.
I was saddened to learn of Mark’s death. We are the same age and sort of grew up together on opposite sides of the counters where he worked and I liked to eat, starting with Ma Maison and ending with Prawn Coastal. He was always friendly, quiet-spoken, funny, and modest. And a helluva cook. RIP
Four of us met for dinner at Otono in Highland Park. I am first of all thrilled and thankful Otono has survived the pandemic. There are outside tables for those preferring to eat al fresco. We ordered about 2/3 of the menu and everything was at least very good with some dishes spectacular. Classics like the salt cod fritters and pan con tomate always please. The bocorones with goat butter and squid ink bread is a favorite. The paellas are really good and the Flannery 28 day aged bone in ribeye is amazing. The patatas bravas, done churro style, is imaginative and maybe my favorite dish on the menu. I have been eating Teresa’s food for years back to when she first opened Racion in Pasadena. Our wine group has done multiple dinners under her guidance and they have been spectacular. Personally, I think Teresa is one of the great chefs in Los Angeles. She flies under the radar a bit, but I feel her food deserves recognition. For those longing for a taste of San Sebastián, I couldn’t recommend a better restaurant. https://www.otonorestaurant.com/
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I posted in the Travel and Restaurant forum for LA recommendations. 5 of us will be there in mid-October for 5 nights. Our AirBnb is literally right around the corner from AOC. I hope they change their corkage policy by then as we’ll be bringing around a case and a half.
While we’re at it, what BYOB-friendly places are in the WeHo area or reasonably close by? Price range similar to AOC. Also, looking for Koreatown recommendations.
Night Market is awesome (Thai) and has $30 corkage (2 bottle max). Son of a Gun is also a good spot in that area, though maybe a bit more of a lunch spot (fried chicken sandwich is great). I’d call to double check current BYOB policies, as they might’ve changed recently.
I don’t go to the part of town much (especially over the last year+), so I’m sure others will have better recommendations.
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Not sure what they charge but I did bring two bottles to Bicyclette, the new restaurant from Republique.
Not sure what they charge but I did bring two bottles to Bicyclette, the new restaurant from Republique.
Night+Market is on my very short list. I met Kris many years ago at Camino in Oakland for a Dupasquier Mondeuse magnum vertical dinner. What’s the skinny on Pizzeria Mozza currently?
I would call on the corkage, Republique was $75 last time we went.
I plan on contacting places that don’t put their corkage policy on the website.
WTF?!?! When did that happen?!
A couple of months ago. I’m hoping they reconsider. I’m guessing they will waive it for good customers, but I only get there a few times a year so I’m not on that list.
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Hey Larry, Will you have a car and are you looking for finer dinning or is casual ok? Many of our ethnic restaurants are more corkage friendly.
We’ll have a car. Casual, but a bit more upscale. Nothing like Vespertine! Hopefully AOC’s corkage policy will change by October. I saw a friend on Sunday who has done a lot of LA dining as his brother lives there. He recommended Son of a Gun. Also, Destroyer for brunch/lunch. Looks like Night+Market and a Koreatown place are going to fill our ethnic dining. However, a really good Mexican place for lunch would be nice.
How is Pizzeria Mozza these days?
Destroyer is awesome. I brought wine and glasses and opened them up outside (all outside seating even in non-pandemic times) and no one said anything.
Night+Market is really underwhelming. Go to Anajak! Ask Charlie he practically lives there.
And as for Pizzeria Mozza they treated their employees so horribly during the pandemic I will never go there. Pizza is not great any way (keep in mind I am a NYer).
Any interest in Japanese? Sushi Gen outside with wine we brought was great last time.
I ate at Night plus Market in Silver Lake last weekand wasn’t impressed. My second try. Limited menu too.
We’d be going to the one in WeHo since that’s where our AirBnB is.
Thanks for chiming in I always hate to bash a restaurant and it is has been a couple of years. I am 1000% confident Anajak is much better.
Japanese, probably not. No shortage of excellent Japanese restaurants in the Bay Area. Thanks for the info on Mozza. I’ll pass.