Tasting Kitchen is one of those gems that unless you’re in “the know” you wouldn’t really know it was there. In fact when I first got there, there wasn’t even a visible sign (the sign seemed to materialize at some point in the evening).
The menu changes daily based on what is available/fresh/seasonal/etc. Its style is quirky, cool, and a little off beat. But the food is delicious. This particular meal was made that much better by the amazing company of my two dining partners: Vanessa (also known sometimes as my “girlfriend”) and Chef Todd Ichinaga (former Executive Chef of Tabe)
We started off with drinks, and Vanessa ordered the Braveheart Cocktail. Normally I don’t like scotch, but I tried this, and it was delicious: Scotch, ginger, and honey. And the giant ice cube is brilliant. It chills the drink, while melting much more slowly so as to not water down the drink.
So the way that the menu works, is that you can order items ala carte, or you can do the tasting menu and what you get sent is completely chef’s choice. Of course the servers always explain what the dishes are, make sure there are no diet restrictions (allergies, vegetarians, etc), and there really aren’t any bad choices! We figured, hey, who knows better than the chef, so we ordered the tasting menu.
Kumamoto Oysters. I’ve said it 100 times guys, I freaking LOVE oysters.
Burrata cheese and marinated leeks: I love burrata. I could eat it every day. Always.
PEI Mussels: again, so good. Vanessa, Todd and I found ourselves scrounging for stuff to dip into the delicious broth at the bottom of the bowl once we’d powered through the mussels
Charcuterie plate: Pictured are the toscano, house made pickles, and the pork rillete. What you can barely see cut off in the corner was the nostrano, and not pictured is the salame.
Salad 1: Butter Lettuce, tarragon, and point reyes cheese
Salad 2: Mixed greens and fried capers
Pasta 1: Spaghetti with peccorino and black pepper
Pasta 2: Bucatini alla amatriciana (with pork belly)
Poached sturgeon with butter sauce and crema
Chicken and Chorizo, French Fries:
And on to dessert!!
Apple tart:
Bread pudding (I LOVE bread pudding!)
And house made mint chip ice cream with fresh mint
Coffee: I was delighted by all the china – all sort of shabby chic, which is totally my style
It was a wonderful night with friends and amazing food. If you’re looking for a good, easy, night out with friends and/or family, and amazing food, this is the place to go.
1633 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 392-6644
http://www.thetastingkitchen.com
