los angeles - downtown: bestia

 tommy buys into the hype at bestia in downtown la...

dry aged new york carpaccio, chilies, mint, rosemary, champagne vinegar, shallots, sea salt

smoked mackerel crostino, burrata, tomato jam, sea salt

creamy polenta, cornmeal, sweet onions, potatoes

spaghetti rustichelle, sea urchin, squid ink botarga, garlic, calabrian chiles, bread crumbs

cavatelli alla norcina, ricotta dumplings, housemade pork sausage, black truffles, grana padano

frozen mayer lemon custard tart, graham cracker crust, brown sugar whipped cream

tommy says: an incredible meal!  the carpaccio was perfectly balanced, a good hit of acid, salt, and tiny kick from the chilis and crunch from the shallots; the rosemary wasn't overpowering and played nicely, and the mint added a freshness.  the smoked mackerel was ok, but the mackerel flavor was muted and the creaminess of the burrata won out.  the polenta was outstanding - one of the best ever (possibly only outdone by cut).  combining polenta with the potatoes is pretty much genius.  both of the pasta dishes were fan-freaking-tastic.  and that frozen mayer lemon custard tart was the perfect finish - not too heavy, nice bright lemony flavor, a very nice graham cracker crust, little meringue chips that magically dissolved in your mouth, all topped with an addicting whipped cream.  run, don't walk to bestia. 

bestia
2121 7th place 
los angeles, ca 90021
(213) 514-5724
http://www.bestiala.com/

los angeles - atwater village: proof bakery

tommy discovers that the proof is in the dough (not the pudding)...

oatmeal raisin cookie, paris brest, almond croissant, empanada, tea cake with cherry, savory gallette

tommy says: a really fantastic bakery!  the croissant had a nice crisp and flaky exterior with a buttery slight chew and more flaky goodness on the interior. the cookie was super oatmealy, so a bit different from a typical oatmeal cookie.  the hazelnut cream in the paris brest was so delicious, but the shell itself was a bit dry.  the empanada was really good - the dough and the veggie and cheese filling were excellent!  the tea cake was a bit denser than anticipated, and was a bit reminiscent of cornbread, but much, much better (and cornbread already gets high marks in my book).  it is a stretch to say that the tea cake has a filling, it was just one tiny half cherry - a delicious half cherry, but still not enough to say it is filled. the savory gallette was also quite good.  proof really knows their dough/crust/pastries/shells.

proof bakery
3156 glendale blvd
los angeles, ca 90039
(323) 664-8633
http://www.proofbakeryla.com/

san fernando valley - studio city: black market liquor bar

tommy hangs out at black market liquor bar...

dill potato chips, sea salt, malt vinegar aioli

burrata, roasted apple, speck, saba

young kale salad, pickeled shallot, fiore sardo, botarga, crushed egg

fried cauliflower, lemon aioli

smoked trout toast, pickled veg, egg

hand cut pappardelle, pork shank ragu, stracciatella, arugula

kurobuta pork cheek, creamed polenta

tommy says: food is pretty good, but heavy.  the chips were nice, and not over dilled. kale salad was drowning in dressing and cheese. the burrata and smoked trout were both very good. pappardelle was kind of thick.  the fried cauliflower had a thick batter on it which was unexpected and unwanted.  been here a few other times and they weren't at their best on this particular visit. things were still good, just not great.  the menu changes from time to time, so here's hoping that next iteration is a but lighter (but keeps the smoked trout).

black market liquor bar
11915 ventura blvd
studio city, ca 91604
(818) 446-2533
http://blackmarketliquorbar.com/

los angeles: scoops

tommy enjoys a sweet treat at scoops...

brown bread in a cup; strawberry balsamic on a sugar cone

tommy says:  scoops  is known for their unique flavors.  brown bread is a classic here and so good, but strawberry balsamic just might be my new favorite!  westside location tends to have fewer (and some different) flavor options, but just as tasty.

scoops
712 n heliotrope dr
los angeles, ca 90029
(323) 906-2649

scoops westside
3400 overland ave 
los angeles, ca 90034
(323) 405-7055
http://www.scoopswestside.com/

los angeles - culver city: bucato

tommy sneaks into bucato in culver city...

focaccia and batard

hachiya persimmon, burrata, sea salt, olive oil

dungeness crab crostino, avocado, lemon, sea salt

spaghetti alla chitarra, cacio e pep

tagliatelle, ragu bianco, parmigiano reggiano

pappardelle, lamb ragu, grana padano

gnocchetti, rabit ragu, pecorino stagionato

 cavatelli duck ragu, pecorino romano

caputi, sausage sugo, sprouting broccoli, chilis, ragusano

sprouting broccoli, garlic, pickled chilis, pecorino romano; brussel sprouts, agrodolce, breadcrumbs

short rib, soft polenta, wild mushrooms, red wine sugo

tommy says: they have a no photos policy, but managed to take some on the sly.  the food is excellent.  persimmon and burrata was very simple, and unexpectedly went together fantastically.  they charge for bread (which seems to be more common these days), but it is amazing bread.  all pastas are handmade, and were the stars of the meal. tagliatelle and caputi were favorites, pappardelle was a little thicker than anticipated.  crab toast and veggies were all nicely done.  short rib was a too sweet.  reservations are for same day only, so non-planners, rejoice!

bucato
3280 helms ave 
culver city, ca ‎
(310) 876-0286
http://www.bucato.la/