Went to Sam’s Place in Highland Park. Beautiful space, beautiful people. Seriously, I can’t remember a cooler crowd than this one.
Small menu, but well executed. There’s a bar steak for $32, a really tasty salad, chicken wings, great bread and butter, a nice sweet potato atop some tahini thing. One of the chefs helped open Eszett; if you liked their food (which I loved) you’ll probs like Sam’s Place. (I learned of this spot because of the Angel, which is a paid substack by an LA food writer named Emily Wilson. Honestly, I’m enjoying it.)
Place has no internet presence but is somehow packed. Was very hectic Saturday evening. I’d recommend a weekday stop for now. Wine leans natty, beer is cold.
Nice report! I forget the post that I referenced this, but I really like her reporting/long form writing on food and wish she’d do more. Plugs for me channels things I don’t love about social media and cool kid recommendation culture.
Needed to try something new since our neighborhood spot burned a few weeks ago.
So Detroit-style it was.
While I didn’t love the pepperoni, I felt their other pizzas were winners. The chicken shawarma was topped with spiced chicken, pickled turnips, tomato, red onion and garlic sauce. The birria had plenty of beef birria, onions and fresh cilantro with a side of consommé to dip the pizza in.
We had plenty of leftovers because I over-ordered which is not a problem in my house.
Crust is quite good…fluffy and crisp and there was lots of caramelized cheese along the edges.
Went to the fishery in San Diego. No pics went with family. Known for local fish. The appetizers were all better than the mains. Def a solid spot but nothing I would go out of my way for.
Fresh local rock crab steamed and chilled was a highlight.
Got an invite to the Superba-Venice 10 yr anniversary family meal last night. I didn’t take any pics. We were greeted at the door with sparkling rose and told to sit anywhere for the family style meal. Passed hors d’oeuvres: baby vegetables and beet root puree and comte grilled cheese bites. First course: Selection of breads with various dips, including smoked trout with roe, chicken liver with fig, whipped creme fraiche with chili crisp; Vegetable and ancient grain salad. Main course: Short rib sous vide with parsley, tomato, onion vinaigrette; roasted Mary’s chicken with mashed potatoes, green goddess dressing. Desserts: A selection of cookies; shortbread cookie with peaches and whipped creme. It was a fabulous meal. Met a bunch of great people and extremely generous of Superba/Paul Hibler. Not a bad way to start the week!
Ditto on SP. I hope it doesn’t become over discovered. It’s my Tuesday night spot because they serve until 11pm. With The Angel’s report, it was busier on Tuesday at 9:30pm than we’ve ever seen it. Not sure it’s destination, but the menu is concise and well-executed.
Everything is pretty delish, but the herb salad is one of the best in town and I love starting with a vermouth spritz. Cornishons in butter . Only three guys run the whole joint.
No table service, no dessert. Patience to order required.
. Only three guys run the whole joint.
