Back in January I was honored to host a wonderful Wild Game dinner by Chris Crary, the Chef de Cusine at Whist Restaurant in Santa Monica. Recently, I returned to taste (gratis) the current menu offered by Executive Chef Tony DiSalvo (Jean Georges, Gramercy Tavern).
Like most of my friends (and family), I’m a big fan of small bites and sharing plates … ESPECIALLY in such a beautiful, relaxing (yet elegant) location.
My brother Greg (who recently moved here from Scotland) joined me for the incredible dinner and we so enjoyed spending some quality brother/sister time together. Needless to say, there was plenty of eye-rolling (it was so good!) and laughing at our table. Just sitting in the beautiful, outdoor dining room… we both appreciated every bit (and bite) of the Whist experience.
NOTE: A new menu will be available after July 9th (some new items have already been added), so go SOON to taste dishes below!
Crostini Heaven (details below)
Uni (Sea Urchin) Crostini, Sea Salt, Lemon & LARDO. Dungeness Crab Crostini w Yuzu Mayo.
Petrossian Caviar, Egg Yolk, Cucumber Dill Crostini
Chicken Liver Mousse, Pancetta Crostini
Dungeness Crab Crostini w Yuzu Mayo
Roasted Beets, House-made Goat Ricotta, Grapes, Endive, Local Pistachios
Japanese Mackerel Escabeche, Tapenade Crostini
Crispy Pork Terrine, Sour Cherries, Pickled Shallots, Mustard
Lamb Keft Meatballs, Orange, Pistachio, Yogurt. I don’t like lamb but my brother LOVED these.
Sweetbreads, Favas, Morels, Sherry
Cured Hamachi, Rhubarb “Ponzu”, Cucumber, Radish, Celery
Torchio Pasta, Rabbit Ragu, Swiss Chard, Olives, Salami, Rosemary (+ extra truffles!)
Soy-Braised Short Ribs, Pickled Radishes + Asian Pear
Chili-Fried Chicken, Spring Vegetable Kimchee
Potato Gnocchi, Asparagus + Morels
Wild Black Sea Bass, Braised Ramps, Tom Yum Broth
Grilled Octopus, Romesco, Potatoes, Charred Wild Leeks
Scallops, Fennel, Celery, Treviso + Bottarga Salad, caper, Lemon + Basil Vinaigrette
Chocolate Tart, Orange Sorbet
Ephemere Beer on a warm evening
Rhubarb Tart, Walnut Crumble, Vanilla Ice Cream
My brother Greg. He loves FOOD almost as much as I do!
More photos on Flickr
Whist Restaurant
Viceroy Hotel, Santa Monica
1819 Ocean Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 260-7511
Website
Dining Date: 6/19/12
Many thanks to Tony DiSalvo and Chris Crary!
About Chef Tony DiSalvo
5 Questions for Tony DiSalvo by Betty Hallock, L.A. Times
Chris Crary’s Wild Game Dinner
Follow Tony DiSalvo on Twitter
Follow Chris Crary on Twitter
Whist Chefs on Twitter
Viceroy Hotel on Twitter