A2 Rating Scale (out of 5):
THE BASICS:
WHAT: Rustic new-American menu, with a Southern flare.
WHERE: In the old Don’t Tell Mama night club space on Santa Monica Blvd in WeHo (Where you’re probably asking? Down the street from Hudson and right across from Hamburger Mary’s).
WHEN: Dinner service beginning at 5:30PM.
THE DISH:
WHAT TO ORDER: Cocktails on cocktails ($12-$16). Hamish is the man behind the bar program and he knows a thing or 2 about combining seasonal ingredients for that WOW-factor. When we ordered 2 glasses of wine to begin, although he politely honored our request and poured, he knew what he had to offer and followed by making us the Mandarin & Blood Orange cocktails; then we quickly regretted our first drink choice. Love a man that knows his strengths. Delectable and unexpected flavors making me want another and another. Now food… CORNBREAD ($6)! Like maybe an order for every single person at the table. It comes with the most perfect soft and spreadable rosemary honey butter and everything about this starter was flawless. I was hesitant, but so-so-so glad Val wasn’t taking ‘no’ for an answer because it ended up being the best thing we ate all night.
WHAT TO SKIP: While everything else was filling, my honest opinion on the below items mentioned is that they were “just O.K.”. The Cauliflower Popcorn ($8) was the dish I was most excited for, and although it had a kick I admired, it left me completely underwhelmed. You know when your ‘stalking’ a total hottie that is your IDEAL type on social media but ends up being a complete dud in the flesh—it was like that. Also, both the Pork Belly & Octopus ($19) and Potato Gnocchi ($22) with lobster bolognese had TOO much going on. Too many flavors; too many textures; too much of everything making them both way too heavy. Like that Jack-of-all-trades, that at the end of the day isn’t really that good at anything (Actor, Inventor, Writer, Uber driver– So what do you do exactly?). I’m a fan of a complex dish, but these left me wishing I saved all those calories on more cocktails (and I probably could have tried the whole damn cocktail menu at the equivalent).
WHERE TO SIT: At the bar with Hamish. A cute Aussie with a serious knowledge of the craft- Crikey!
THAT SCENE THOUGH: While at first sight the space is visually appealing with high beamed ceilings, big windows and exposed brick; when you really, really look around at the furniture, chandeliers and artwork it just doesn’t make much sense. And all the female staff wearing flannel. Am I missing something here?
WHO YOU’LL SEE: There was everything from babies to grandparents. But given its location there were a lot of West Hollywood locals, so you know you’re in for a fun crowd as the night goes on.
WHERE TO PARK: Do yourself a favor and don’t drive because there best be drinking involved.
ABOUT THAT SERVICE: I do however want to give a shoutout to the staff because there was NO sign that these folk where still getting used to the ropes. They knew their shit and even though we were sitting at the bar, they gave us a full dinner service experience. When a place isn’t amazing, but the service is, it makes being honest that much harder; but not thattt hard, because we’re in a committed relationship with you guys, and we’ve promised to keep it 100%.
EDDR LIFE LESSON: It’s sometimes O.K. to drink your meal. Now if only we could take our own advice occasionally; I mean it’s practically bikini season in Hollywoodland #ifyoucanttoneittanit (A2 summer motto).
A2 FINAL THOUGHT: Although only 3 weeks old, at this point I wouldn’t bother coming to this spot if you don’t plan on drinking. There hasn’t been much press or hype around this opening, so either go to get your drink on or wait until some other trusty reviewers go and tell you what the best options are to order. We know it takes some time to figure out what the people like and don’t like; so hopefully they’re taking notes on what the public is saying out here (hello, it’s me…).
Now can I have another cocktail please?,
Alex
Norah ↔ 8279 Santa Monica Blvd, LA, CA 90046 ↔ 323-450-4211
eat.drink.dish.repeat. 