THE FIVE THIS WEEK TINY TASTES

In 2008, single entrees with two standard sides have fallen out of favor along with Chinese-manufactured pet food and Sen. Larry Craig. As restaurants far and wide catch the tasting bug, the future promises to be all about small-bite delight. Here are our favorites.

ALL’ ANGELO

Last month this chic Italian restaurant introduced a cicchetti menu of Venetian-style appetizers. Graze without guilt on slender slices of wild salmon carpaccio, canapes with seared bone marrow and black cabbage, and the tender tendrils of baby octopus stew. 7166 Melrose Ave.; (323) 933-9540

INGREDIENTS

This gourmet food shop opened its doors in December, luring passersby with artisan cheeses, exotic spices, cured meats and assorted oils and vinegars. Last weekend it began serving small bites. Look for savory salt cod, cured pork and salmon as well as a wide selection of sinful cheeses. 3521 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale; (818) 249-4971; Menu only served on weekends for now

THE CROW BAR AND KITCHEN

A polished gastropub in the true British tradition, the Crow Bar serves tasty morsels meant to be consumed with quality beer and passed among friends. Try blue crab deviled eggs, Serrano ham-wrapped dates and duck fat fries with truffle allioli. 2325 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar; (949) 675-0070

ASIA DE CUBA

The trendy Asian-Latin fusion restaurant has jumped on the anti-entree bandwagon with its first-ever tasting menu. Savor the calamari salad with chayote, bananas, cashews and chicory; miso-cured Alaskan butterfish and char sui beef short ribs. 8440 Sunset Blvd.; (323) 848-6000

VERTICAL WINE BISTRO

Defined by exposed brick and polished wood, this classy wine bar offers a rustic menu of sampler plates that include rabbit rillette with Armagnac-soaked prunes and apricots, fig poppers with blue cheese and jalapeno peppers and soft polenta with wilted bitter greens. 70 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena; (626) 795-3999

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-- Jessica.Gelt@latimes.com