A2 Rating Scale (out of 5):
THE DISH:
WHAT TO ORDER: It’s a pretty cool and unique concept actually: pick your shellfish (mussels, clams, or shrimp) and then pick the broth you want it to go in (all for $12). We tried the pistou broth and a special of the day broth, both of which were delish. Also, they give you some toasted grain baguette, peppers, and garlic olive oil when you sit down which we just kept asking for more and more of (what can we say? we’re all for some free shit)
WHAT TO SKIP: The salt roasted potatoes ($7) and the arugala salad ($8) were meh. We weren’t even sure if they had put any dressing on the salad – when we asked they said it was “light” but they took it to a whole new level.
SPOILER ALERT: Skip to the next part if you want to be surprised. Otherwise, here we go….Bonus course: they bring you spaghetti (both gluten full and gluten free options) when you’re done with the shellfish and mix it into the leftover broth with a twice poached egg over it. Such. A. Good. Surprise. And that egg… mm mm good.
WHAT TO KNOW: Reservations only accepted for parties of 6 or more and there are no indoor tables so we highly recommend going on a sunny LA day. Also, the guys working in the Grilled Cheese store will likely give you shit and make you think there’s no restaurant through their kitchen — don’t be such a sucker! Keep on pushing through their kitchen/storage area and you’ll find a secret wooden door to a magical patio (now that this is happening, they should really clean up their kitchen area).
WHERE TO PARK: Valet parking out front or street parking in the surrounding hood (just make sure to read the signs that tell you all the different times you CAN’T park rather than the 2 times you can)
WHERE TO SIT: Considering the whole place is a string lit courtyard, there really isn’t a bad seat in the house.
WHO YOU’LL SEE: People in the know- this isn’t a place you just stumble upon.
WHO TO BRING: Date, friends, family — between the overarching twinkle lights, Foosball table at the entrance, and complimentary breads and peppers that they just throw onto the paper tablecloth (no plates here) — this place has endless possibilities to be romantic, fun, and family oriented all in one.
DATE NIGHT TIP: Arrive a little early or plan to stay a little later and hit up the Foosball table for a little friendly competition. You can tell a lot about a person on how they deal with winning… and losing. And guys- don’t be dicks, let your girl think she is giving you a run for your money; even though she is more than likely letting you win anyways. If you let her “score”, she may let you “score” later…
EDDR LIFE LESSON: A good courtyard and some twinkle lights is all you really need.
A2 FINAL THOUGHT: Decent food in a pretty setting; we’ll wait a while for the crowd to pick up before rushing back but this is definitely a spot where we’ll be enjoying a few bottles of rosé in the summer under the stars (or whatever you can see through the LA pollution)
And maybe we’ll get some famous Greenspan short-rib grilled cheese on our way out,
A2
eat.drink.dish.repeat. 