Cube Marketplace (07-22-2011)

Cube Cafe, Cheese Bar and Marketplace

Friday, 07-22-2011

Mid-City, Los Angeles, CA

http://www.eatatcube.com/

 

Wine and cheese tapa bars are all the rage in Los Angeles and like most "trendy" restaurants these days, Cube Marketplace emphasizes organic farm fresh seasonal ingredients.  The restaurant has been open a few years now but it has only recently peaked my attention as I have started to appreciate hand-made pastas.  A co-worker of mine recommended Cube for freshly made pastas and affordable wines.    

2008 Abruzzo, Nicodemi, Montepulciano D'Abruzzo [$10.00]

2008 Bolgheri Rosso, Satta, Cab Sauv, Sang, Syrah, Merlot [$10.00]

SALTED PITA BREAD

MIMOLETTE, cow, France [$7.00]

MANCHEGO, raw sheep, Spain [$4.00]

MOLE SALAMI, Seattle [$5.00]

BRAISED BABY OCTOPUS [$8.00]

Charred Radicchio, Cipollini Onion Marmelata

MIMMO'S BURRATA [$14.00]

Balsamic Strawberries, Pistachios, House Rosemary Focaccia

BLACK TRUFFLE PIZZE [$17.00]

Mozzarella, Fried Eggs

BEETS & GREENS [$6.00]

Fresh Lemon, Garlic

WILD MUSHROOM PAPPARDELLE [$12.00]

Fresh Burn Morels, King Trumpet & Abalone Mushrooms, Brown Butter, Cream, Red Cow Parmesan, Fresh Thyme

La Rossa Moretti Birra [$5.00]

Birra Moretti, Italy

FRESH PEACH SEMIFREDDO [$9.00]

Fresh Raspberry Compote, Hazelnut Meringue Cookies

VERDICT:
I was very happy with my experience at Cube.  No only did I find good pasta in the mushroom pappardelle, I found a bunch of other small dishes that were well-conceived and extremely flavorful.  My favorites included the truffle pizza, which struck great balance between pungent truffle tastes and soft creamy eggs, and the burrata, which paired the delicate mozzarella with tangy balsamic and sweet strawberries.  But my favorite part of the meal may have been the causal and unpretentious service not frequently found at wine bars.  Wine and cheeses became un-intimidating.  We just told the server basic flavors we liked and they made casual suggestions--no judgment, no snobbery.