Stefan Richter, a “Top Chef” finalist in Season 5, has set up shop at L.A. Farm in Santa Monica. The renamed enterprise is colorfully identified on the street. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Richter, right, chats with diners in his restaurant. (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
A handful of Richter’s creations, including sliced pig’s head with Champagne-chive vinaigrette, radishes and frisee, reflect his Finnish-German heritage. (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
Here’s a not-exactly spin on an Italian pasta dish. It’s ravioli stuffed with celery root purée and served in a creamy sauce dotted with diced celery root, pancetta and sage leaves. (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
Pan-seared whitefish is served on a ragout of green lentils with some parsnips for sweetness. The cocktail is called the Finnish Me Off. (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
A veal chop is served with a green peppercorn sauce and accompanied by a cauliflower purée. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
For dessert, options include this lollipop trio. (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
A fire pit glows in an atrium dining area. (Ricardo DeAratanha/Los Angeles Times)
The restaurant’s redone look is sophisticated and contemporary, complemented by color-soaked abstract paintings. (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
Beef is on the menu. And on the door. Grab a steer horn and pull. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
The wall opening seems very “farm”; the dining area beyond feels contemporary. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Steer sculptures keep watch over Stefan’s at L.A. Farm, in the Lantana office complex on Olympic Boulevard in Santa Monica. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
