I believe so, one of the previous chef’s at Birdie G’s is now Chef at Rustic Canyon so he freed himself up to go back to BG’s. I just wish there were more apps/smaller format plates there as someone who goes out mostly solo that’s what holds me back from going more often. Love the space and location and the food is good.
3 Likes
Shit. I love his honesty and also find this so sad. Dish sounds dope too. I can’t go this weekend but hope someone here does.
2 Likes
Yup and he’s doing tons of new dishes and great specials. A meal 2 weeks ago was bangin
4 Likes
We’ll be looking to go soon and support. Rustic Canyon was pretty dead on Friday at 6pm, maybe 3 tables when we sat. Had mostly filled up by 7:30, but not the crowds you’d usually see.
4 Likes
I feel like Birdie G’s is gonna go the way of Cassia. They’ve had lots of anxiety for a while now. It’s a really great restaurant in a totally incongruous venue…gigantic space and menu length meant for like a 40-60 seat neighborhood spot, not a behemoth dining destination. I know the industry as a whole is struggling but I just think this size and style of LA restaurant is on its way out.
5 Likes
Cassia closed? That’s terrible news if so. Birdie G’s just isn’t that great IMO. Definitely agree it’s way too big.
1 Like
Closing. Last day of service is 02/22.
Have you been with Fox back in the kitchen? It’s killer lately
3 Likes
I went when it first opened and was largely unimpressed. Then a couple times over the following years and thought it got much better and hit a stride. Would be sad to see the pre-Fox back in kitchen version go under. Haven’t been since Fox is back but would like to, especially with all the ominous talk.
1 Like
I went with some folks from work this week and had a great meal, now that Jeremy Fox is spending more time in the kitchen it’s worth a visit if you haven’t been in a while. Lots of changes to the menu, even though the format is pretty similar and there are still classic dishes. The long-time lamb dish is significantly different now, more like a lamb gyros with the same crispy rice and saffron sauce. I am bummed the relish tray seems to not have survived. They also gave us a sample of some of the terrines and charcuterie that Jeremy Fox has been testing for his upcoming meat cookbook and those were really fun. Smoked trout dip with crispy potato waffles is worth getting. I think their cocktail program exceeds expectations and always has some seasonal drinks and good NA options.
It felt moderately busy for a weeknight, but agree the space it quite large. It does benefit from ample free parking behind the restaurant, but isn’t likely getting much foot traffic. I did see several larger groups and I think they’re a good restaurant for that kind of outing.
I kind of feel like Santa Monica makes it hard to have an interesting menu that changes often. In the early days, Birdie G’s had some pretty unusual dishes, but over time they kind of disappeared as I think diners weren’t really ordering them regularly. I suspect the same thing happened at Cassia, they try new stuff and people keep ordering the familiar dishes. Then the menu slowly starts to feel stagnant and people stop coming. Which is weird to say when Venice is so close and you have a place like Gjelina that has a huge constantly changing menu. They have been ramping up the experimentation recently and personally I try to support that.
10 Likes
Last night I had one of the best meals of my life. The fairly new menu focuses more on comfort and satisfaction than anything else, and finally there are many vegetable options.
The grilled artichoke is probably the best I’ve had anywhere, with a hint of lime, a bit of spice, and the center filled with drawn butter. The dip has a Calabrian flavor that reminds me of the Breadhead mayo spread. The cornbread and the Caesar are as excellent as always.
The Picklechik is now a pounded cutlet, covered in thinly sliced pickes. It’s heaven. We also had their version of a pasta Vodka, with Radiatori, an interesting screw-shaped pasta - this dish was a highlight.
The bar is hopping - probably the best happy hour in town. $10 martinis and other specialty drinks.
13 Likes
I believe that was posted on April fools day
4 Likes
fake news
1 Like
Oh thank god
2 Likes
You aren’t the only one that believed it! 
4 Likes
I had the Birdie burger on Thursday, it’s very good. But their happy hour menu offers a Pickle Chick sandwich that I’m addicted to, so I prefer that.
3 Likes
Do they still do the sandwich? I thought they switched it out for the pickle chick schnitzel
Everyones doing a burger now smh. Food people are different but honestly i don’t think most people in LA actually want interesting or creative food, just thr same shit in different rooms.
1 Like