Friday, 07-01-2011
West Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
http://www.figandolive.com
Fig & Olive is a much anticipated NY import that debuted in West Hollywood in March of 2011. They built their brand on featuring olive oils from the Riviera and Costal regions of the South of France, Italy, and Spain. A NY friend of mine brags frequently about the depth of flavors at her local outpost and thus I was excited to try the latest Los Angeles rendition.
EL MATADOR [$12.00]
Tequila, Cachaca, Fresh Lime Juice, Cilantro Syrup, Muddled Jalapeno
Tequila, Cachaca, Fresh Lime Juice, Cilantro Syrup, Muddled Jalapeno
ROSEMARY BREAD WITH OLIVE OIL TASTING
Oils from France, Italy, Spain
Oils from France, Italy, Spain
CEVICHE & TARTAR TASTING [$19.00]
Branzino Lemon Ceviche: Red Onion, Tomato, Fennel, Dill
Salmon Ceviche: Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon, Cilantro
Crab Tartar: Avocado, Pine Nuts, Shallot, Tomato
Sesame Tuna Tartar: Chive, Shallot, Cucumber
Branzino Lemon Ceviche: Red Onion, Tomato, Fennel, Dill
Salmon Ceviche: Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon, Cilantro
Crab Tartar: Avocado, Pine Nuts, Shallot, Tomato
Sesame Tuna Tartar: Chive, Shallot, Cucumber
AVOCADO & LIME [$9.00]
Chilled Soup of Avocado, Lime, Coconut, Tabasco Scallion
Crab, Avocado, Cilantro, Pine Nuts Crostini
Chilled Soup of Avocado, Lime, Coconut, Tabasco Scallion
Crab, Avocado, Cilantro, Pine Nuts Crostini
FIG GORGONZOLA TARLET [$15.00]
Warm Gorgonzola, Proscuitto, Fig, Walnut, Arugula, Tomato on a Fine Puff Pastry
Warm Gorgonzola, Proscuitto, Fig, Walnut, Arugula, Tomato on a Fine Puff Pastry
ORECCHIETTE WITH BROCCOLINI & GRILLED HALIBUT [$23.00]
Halibut, Broccolini, Cherry Tomato, Shallot, Mascarpone, Lemon Thyme Olive Oil
Halibut, Broccolini, Cherry Tomato, Shallot, Mascarpone, Lemon Thyme Olive Oil
PAELLA DEL MAR [$27.00]
Black Tiger Shrimp, Diver Scallop, Garden Vegetable, Artichoke Tapenade, Saffron Rice, Pimenton & Oregano Hojiblanca Olive Oil
Black Tiger Shrimp, Diver Scallop, Garden Vegetable, Artichoke Tapenade, Saffron Rice, Pimenton & Oregano Hojiblanca Olive Oil
MISSION IPA [$8.00]
Mission Brewery, Chula Vista, CA
Mission Brewery, Chula Vista, CA
WARM MARZIPAN CAKE [$9.00]
Candied Orange and Olive Oil, Fresh Orange and Toasted Almonds, Olive Oil Gelato
Verdict:
The general perception of LA seems to be that people are supeficial, pseudo-glamorous, "trying to make it in the entertainment biz" types with nothing else to do but act snooty and dress to impress. Having spent most of my life in LA, this was not my experience at all. I always defended Los Angeles with the "you only see that on reality TV, that's not true LA." After dining in this restaurant for 3+ hours on a Friday night, I can now see why out-of-towners develop this stereotype. The beautiful dining room was full of entertainment types, dressed to the nines all seemingly yapping about fashion and entertainment. Everyone but my dining party seemed poised to hit the Hollywood clubs immediately after dinner. Perhaps the location and the excitement over the restaurant opening contributed to what felt like an elitist and slightly uptight dining experience. But enough about the ambience and onto the food!
The meal started off with a bang, with delicious and distinct olive oils accompanying home-baked rosemary bread. This dish highlighted the philosophy of the restaurant and awakened my palate for foods to come. The ceviche and tartar tasting demonstrated exceptional skill in combining different raw seafoods with various citruses and herbs to create contrasting textures and flavors. However, both entrees were big letdowns. The orecchiette was dry to the point of being almost inedible and the seafood paella was plain and had rubberly overcooked shrimp.
Would I come back? Perhaps but only for the small appetizer bites and specialty oils and only in the middle of the week to avoid the crowds. Spare me the entrees and please, spare me the ambience.
Candied Orange and Olive Oil, Fresh Orange and Toasted Almonds, Olive Oil Gelato
Verdict:
The general perception of LA seems to be that people are supeficial, pseudo-glamorous, "trying to make it in the entertainment biz" types with nothing else to do but act snooty and dress to impress. Having spent most of my life in LA, this was not my experience at all. I always defended Los Angeles with the "you only see that on reality TV, that's not true LA." After dining in this restaurant for 3+ hours on a Friday night, I can now see why out-of-towners develop this stereotype. The beautiful dining room was full of entertainment types, dressed to the nines all seemingly yapping about fashion and entertainment. Everyone but my dining party seemed poised to hit the Hollywood clubs immediately after dinner. Perhaps the location and the excitement over the restaurant opening contributed to what felt like an elitist and slightly uptight dining experience. But enough about the ambience and onto the food!
The meal started off with a bang, with delicious and distinct olive oils accompanying home-baked rosemary bread. This dish highlighted the philosophy of the restaurant and awakened my palate for foods to come. The ceviche and tartar tasting demonstrated exceptional skill in combining different raw seafoods with various citruses and herbs to create contrasting textures and flavors. However, both entrees were big letdowns. The orecchiette was dry to the point of being almost inedible and the seafood paella was plain and had rubberly overcooked shrimp.
Would I come back? Perhaps but only for the small appetizer bites and specialty oils and only in the middle of the week to avoid the crowds. Spare me the entrees and please, spare me the ambience.
Dude, someone is on a role with back to back postings! Loving the attitude in the commentary haha. Keep the postings coming!
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