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/