On this trip to LA, I was dining solo every night. Thus, I was in no hurry, nor did I have reserves anywhere, although these days it doesn’t really matter because most restaurants aren’t taking them anymore. I first tried to get into Son of a Gun in West LA on the off chance I’d get a seat at the bar. The cute little waif looked at me, looked around the restaurant, back at me and said, “Yeah, we’re pretty busy.” Tail between my legs, I left and decided to head to my comfort zone…Venice. I’ve been hearing about The Tasting Kitchen and had a gut feeling about getting in.

Luck 1. I got a parking spot right out front. However, people were lined up outside the restaurant. That can’t be good other than the fact it meant that it meant I needed to eat there. I pushed my way through the trendy people and found the hostess stand where she, too, looked at me like, Really lady, it’s Saturday night??? I inquired about sitting at the bar when she suggested that I go introduce myself to the bartender and he would help me keep an eye out for an open spot. Little did I know that the bartender at The Tasting Kitchen is the gem of the place.

Luck 2. I found a hole at the end of the bar where I wedged myself in. The bartender spotted me right away and handed me a menu. I hollered over the noise that I was hoping to eat at the bar if something opens up and that’s when magic happened. “What’s your name?” Within ten minutes, Justin left his post, went and grabbed me a stool, set me up at the bar and I held court making all kinds of new friends until 1 am. Come to think of it, Justin left before me, which doesn’t seem right. But Justin Pike, the bartender, is top-notch and worth visiting in Venice.

Two new friends, Jeff and Jason, filled me in on everything about the restaurant and Venice. I learned their sign language they invented for the cocktail list so Justin could fill their drink order in crowded bar. I tasted their own concoction, although I don't recall the name. And I chatted with several couples who passed through the seats to my right. The Tasting Kitchen is truly a neighborhood spot with some damn friendly locals and great, casual food. Charcuterie, cheese, seasonal-small plates and pastas. I especially loved the burrata with browned butter, cinnamon apples, and pine nuts. The teaming of rich browned butter, creamy burrata with sweet toasted apples was a guilty appetizer. I also ordered the pasta with Calabrian sausage, chili, radicchio and toasted breadcrumbs. I have to say, I came home inspired to recreate a similar dish. It was just what I needed bellied up at the bar feeling like a neighborhood foodie. 

We closed out the night tasting several digestives, thanks to Justin. And before leaving, my phone was passed around so my new friends could input their names and numbers for my next visit to The Tasting Kitchen. Exactly why I love Venice…and exactly why your next trip to LA needs to include The Tasting Kitchen. 

The Tasting Kitchen
1633 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA
 

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