The Los Angeles food blogging community doesn't need another long ranty post about Palate Food + Wine in Glendale. We all know it became an instant hit with good reason, since it's a concept that totally satisfies our seasonal, creative desires, budgetary issues and need for down-to-earthness that the zeitgeist requires. Every dish I've had there, from scallops with clever citrus accompaniments to chicken rillete pot to pig trotters to pork belly to orange panna cotta to fabulous cheese plate (pictured), hits the mark.
First meal at the bar we had stellar service and meticulously prepared cocktails by the skilled bartender Antoine. Second meal was in the main dining room, but next time will be in the back wine room because that hot pink lighting hurts. Palate is so spot on in so many ways, but it's prime material for a Top Design makeover challenge. Presumably the incredible antique bar from Chinatown was jettisoned to make the transition from Cinnabar to Palate complete. Understandable. I don't think, however, that comically over-sized urns spilling over with fake grapes and those lights do the trick. It's not fun kitsch or rock n' roll, it's just weird. Sorry to be Debby Downer here.
On the other end of the design spectrum at Citrus at Social Hollywood, every interior detail is highly attended to. Lots of bacon-filled rich snacks at the bar made for a nice Friday night repast. I hear, however, its hours are now erratic? And their emailing list sign up seems to be non-functional, or they don't deign to keep just anyone in the loop. Might this mean Michel Richard will again be a totally DC-centric chef? Even if Chodorow is a bitch of a boss to answer to, something about that feels sad and wrong.
I've only been to Palate in the waning sun when tungsten light bathes in the inside. Perhaps when it gets dark the place gets too funky? I agree with Citrus - the dining room could be one of the best in the city though the half-booth, half-table setups are a bit awkward.
Posted by: mattatouille | February 09, 2009 at 02:08 PM
I read this heading and ... No Shit! Great restaurant but I feel like I have to give a "decor disclaimer" to everyone that I've ever taken there. What up with the 80's pink lighting...? Also worth noting that I've had both the best service in town there and the worst. We once got a waiter with an "oversell" problem - he gave us a hard time for not drinking/eating enough and kept (blatently) trying to upsell us to more expensive items.
Posted by: Chandi | February 09, 2009 at 09:42 PM
too little food on dish
Posted by: mp3-melhor | February 10, 2009 at 08:37 PM
Sit in the back room. You'll have to forego spirits for wine and beer, but it is SO MUCH NICER back there. It's like a different restaurant. We had cheeks, belly, halibut and quail, two mason jars of duck and pickled carrots... and an incredible bread pudding. Two bottles of wine my uncle picked out. They were great, but I'm terrible remembering wines.
Posted by: Andy | March 31, 2009 at 07:44 AM
the restaurant group backing surely will let him stay for a lot longer than the previous gig
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