By Sandy Driscoll
Chef Dickman prepares for the Wine Dinner. All images © 2010-2011 restaurantdiningcritiques.com and Sandy Driscoll
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Barbrix Wine Bar and Restaurant
2442 Hyperion Avenue @ Tracy
Los Angeles, CA 90027 (Silver Lake area)
Website: http://www.barbrix.com/Home.html
Phone: 323-662-2442
Open: Sunday – Thursday 6pm – 11pm
Friday – Saturday 6pm – 12am
Credit Cards: Yes
Valet Parking: Available
Prices: Reasonable
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Opening in May 2009, Barbrix was an instant hit with the hip, trendy, bohemian Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles. Just a few months later, they were named one of LA’s Top 10 New Restaurants by Los Angeles magazine.
Located across from Baller Hardware in a tastefully renovated former 1940’s residence, there is an outdoor patio area, a 360 degree wine bar, and a 40 seat dining room with counter seats available (my personal favorite!) at the open kitchen. Chef Don Dickman has created a Mediterranean-influenced menu, studded with straightforward flavors that reflect the wide ranging bounty of fabulous fruits and vegetables always available from the many farmers markets in the area.
Most of the menu items (first courses, cheeses, charcuterie, vegetables & grains, fish & meat) are small plates, perfect for sharing. Prices are reasonable. Nothing is over $17 and most are $5-10.
Want a glass or two of interesting wine? Most are under $10.
I was very excited to attend their third Wine Dinner last evening, featuring the wines of Stolpman Vineyards. http://www.stolpmanvineyards.com/ Winemaker, informative and congenial Pete Stolpman, was on hand to introduce and chat about his wines, which were beautifully paired with each course. Appetizers, four generous courses and five wines were offered for a total of $70, inclusive of tax and gratuity. Each course utilized the freshest ingredients, all were delicious and beautifully plated and presented. Portions were very generous (some at my table took home leftovers) and the restaurant was full of very happy and convivial diners.
The evening epitomized fine and fun dining at its best. I sure hope they continue to make this a regular tradition! In a city full of fabulous restaurants, showcasing every imaginable cuisine, this has got to be one of LA’s best bargains!
Smoked Salmon Mascarpone Mousse Crostini & Porcini Mushroom Arancini Sauvignon Blanc “Estate” 2009
Polenta Biscuit with Maine Lobster & Brentwood Corn Gravy
L’Avion 2007 (Roussanne-Viognier)
Pappardelle with Spicy Tomato Sauce & Crispy Pork Belly
Sangiovese “Estate” 2006
Syrah Braised Lamb Shoulder with Black Mission Fig Compote & Pommes Sardelaise
Syrah Estate 2007
Service ready for the Cheese Course
Grilled bread
The Cheese finale – Toma Blue (Cow’s Milk, Italy) – Ticklemore (Goat’s Milk, England) –
Brie de Meaux (Cow’s Milk, France) with Quince, Figs & Almonds
Syrah Originals “Estate” 2008
Premium malt beer from Suntory
Shin Shin
Kalbi
Raw liver sashimi grade
A decorative salad
Pictured above: The owner, Jun Nadatani who has owned and operated the restaurant for 42 years in the same location as of 2010.
Local Sake
Home made pickles to accompany the beer and sake
Chicken gizzards from what we know are reliable birds
Fried chicken with just a light dusting of coating
Bento Box chicken
