Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Tapenade - West Los Angeles, California


Address: 11301 W Olympic Blvd, Ste 116, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Items Ordered:
  • Burrata cheese with fresh fig, toasted hazelnut, EVOO, aged balsamic
  • Mushrooms and parmesan polenta with truffle oil
  • Chicken liver parfait with port, country bread, bacon, and cornichons
  • Italian brussels sprouts with currants, pine nuts, parmesan, aged balsamic
  • Tuna tartare and seared sashimi with avocado and ginger orange dressing
  • Banana gratin with almond crust, and vanilla bean ice cream

Tapenade is probably my best kept dining secret. It's hidden by the large Olympic Collection building, and the location has such a rapid turnover, I'm always afraid Tapenade will no longer be there the next time I want to visit. Of all the dishes, definitely try the mushrooms and polenta--it is rich, creamy, and so fragrant with the aroma of truffle oil. Get the brussels sprouts too. They make it in 7 different crispy delicious varieties, but the Italian one described above is probably my favorite. Okay, and the real reason why I love Tapenade? All their happy hour drinks are AMAZING! I especially loved the red wines I tried (Pinot, Cabernet, Tempranillo, Merlot), but the food is great even without any libations ;). If you're ever near Little Osaka or looking for a great happy hour location, then definitely give Tapenade a try!

-y