New in Los Angeles Eating: Malibu Pier Club, Wolfgangs,Vinoteque & More!
Courtesy of Gridskipper sister site Eater LA, here's the very latest and greatest in the world of Los Angeles eating and drinking:
1) Mallibu Pier Club: Just as the name states, this little number is at the foot of the Malibu Pier, just off the street, with perfect views of Surfrider Beach to the right, millionaires' homes to the left, nothing but horizon and waves directly out front...Original photos, tile murals, nice wookwork inside. Beachy snacks like caesar salad "fondue," grilled chicken sandwich with prosciutto, truffle chips, martinis, wines, beer are on the menu.
2) Father's Office 2.0: From day one---and we know---the place has been packed, there's almost always a line at the door, and with that patio, there's very little turn-and-burn. Without the hordes of beer (and burger) geeks, you can really see the details: The woodwork, the shiny cement floor with the word "beer" inlaid at the doorways, the leather chairs. The base for the bar? The same wood used for the top was used as a cement mold first, so all the grain matches. The picnic tables? All custom designed.
3) Crown Bar: Several partners are entertainment heavyweights and with that comes the stars and their entourage, and the entourage's entourage. But like sibling Winston's just a few blocks away, even thought trendy crowds flock, the douchebag attitude is kept to a minimum. They're on to something with good music and a comfortable room that blends feminine and masculine accents into a kind of 30's-40's-esque vibe; there's a nice patio shrouded by leafy bushes out front. The real bonus is a full menu (a taste here; more on the website) from chef Chris Ennis, things like flat breads with La Quercia prosciutto, "sloppy pig" sliders, crab and sweet corn fritters, short rib shepard's pie.
4) Vinoteque: Culver City's newest wine bar for small plates (blue cheese-stuffed dates, cucumber gazpacho, seared Halloumi cheese with roasted pepper and olive spread), cheeses, charcuterie, vino, beers, live blues and jazz music, a nice patio, just about everything a laid-back neighborhood joint should have.
5) Wolfgangs Steakhouse: It's understandable that at least a few people would think Wolfgang Puck was branching out. Unless, of course, they're steak lovers from New York because that's where Zwiener, a former waiter at the famed Peter Luger, made his name with 28-day-aged prime corn-fed beef (aged on premises), his German potatoes, creamed spinach, Canadian bacon and "schlag." The room is classic steakhouse, open, comfortable, bustling; there's an entire second room in the back and a small patio out front. The steaks come out on sizzling plates that jump with hot juice and fat, and the porterhouse for two can easily feed three.
More photos, info and color at Eater LA.
