Archive for Thursday, July 03, 2008
THE LIST
On Wednesdays, it’s tomato fest at Il Grano It’s time for the annual Sagra del Pomodoro (tomato fest) at Il Grano in West Los Angeles. Chef-owner Sal Marino doesn’t fool around: He grows more than 40 heirloom and other tasty varieties in his own garden. So no worries regarding the recent salmonella scare. Each Wednesday from July to October his love apples get to strut their stuff in his special tomato menu (the regular menu also is served that night). If previous years’ menus are any indication, he’s going to make tomato lovers very, very happy with dishes such as marinated anchovies with Lemon Boy-arugula salad and preserved lemons or his PBT, a panino (sandwich) pancetta, burrata and Black Cherokee tomato. For those who have commitment issues, most dishes are meant to share, so you can order a lot. My best bet: bottarga spaghetti with oven-dried Amish Gold tomatoes. Tomato dishes, $7 to $15. 11359 Santa Monica Blvd., West L.A.; (310) 477-7886
Bread, White and Blue Build-Your-Own-Burger Weekend at Breadbar If the July 4 weekend isn’t about celebrating our nation’s independence by eating copious amounts of burgers and hot dogs, then what is it about? The bakery-bistro Breadbar is offering a gourmet build-your-own-burger menu from Friday through Sunday at both of its locations. Pay $15 and choose from the following: house-baked buns (sesame, onion, brioche, whole wheat and Tuscan ciabatta); patties (skirt steak, ahi tuna, portobello, ground turkey and chicken breast); cheese (Swiss, Vermont cheddar, Gorgonzola, mozzarella and Brie); toppings (apple wood-smoked bacon, fried or hard-boiled eggs, grilled zucchini, pickles, grilled onions); and dressings (chimchurri, pesto, aioli, balsamic and sun-dried tomato). Sides include sweet potato fries, grilled vegetables, fruit salad or a simple green salad. 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., R-2, Century City, (310) 277-3770; 8718 W. 3rd St., (310) 205-0124; www.breadbar.net
Mini American barbecue platter at West Restaurant & Lounge When you think of July 4 barbecue, you generally think of man-sized portions of meat. But this restaurant atop the Hotel Angeleno (with stunning views of the 405 Freeway) has come up with a fun twist on that cliché. For $15, you and yours can get a mini-barbecue platter featuring mini burgers, baby back ribs, hot dogs, coleslaw and potato salad, so you can stay dainty while you dine dirty. (That barbecue sauce will get everywhere.) Also up for grabs are martinis concocted with made-in-the-U.S.A. vodka. 170 N. Church Lane, penthouse level, L.A. (310) 476-6411; www.westatangeleno.com
Summer Tuesday’s at Darren’s Restaurant & Bar As gas and food prices continue to soar, restaurants are beginning to offer “recession-busting” menus. To that end, Darren’s is offering a $35 three-course prix-fixe menu on Tuesdays. The food, American with Asian and Mediterranean accents, will vary depending on what ingredients are in season. 1141 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, (310) 802-1973; www.darrensrestaurant.com
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