A.O.C. (06-18-2011)

A.O.C. Wine Bar

Saturday, 06-18-2011

Los Angeles, CA

http://www.aocwinebar.com

 

A.O.C. was opened in 2003 by celebrity chef Suzanne Goin as a follow-up to her first wildly popular and Southern California staple Lucques Restaurant.  This tapas-style restaurant is frequently credited for revolutionizing the dining scene and popularizing the small plates concept.  Through all the success, the restaurant was never open for lunch.  This all changed April 2011 when the chef introduced a weekend brunch menu following the success of brunch at their 3rd local establishment, Tavern.  Below is a small sampling of their recently introduced menu.

Wood Oven-Baked Pancake with Blueberries, Pistachio and Candied Meyer Lemon [$13.00]

Duck Confit and Wild Mushroom Hash with Poached Eggs and Aged Balsamic [$17.00]

Wood Oven-Baked Fritta with Hook's Cheddar, Young Broccoli and Gremolata [$14.00]



VERDICT:
It is difficult to judge a restaurant's food from only a small sampling but I enjoyed all three of the dishes imaged above.  The savory duck confit and earthy mushroom hash blended well with the poached egg.  The thick fluffy pancake had the texture of a desert cake and was topped with a supprisingly balanced combination of pistachios, berries and lemons.  I have yet to dine at Lucques or Tavern but if the flavors of A.O.C. are any indication, I can't wait to give those places a try.