The other night, I had dinner with friends at Cooks County. This is a new restaurant by Claudio & Adria of Barbrix, which is one of my favorite hangouts in LA!
The restaurant was so packed and lively. There were even people waiting outside of the building. The place has the very nice vibe. They do market-fresh Californian cuisine. The menu is updated daily and there is also a long list of local farms & ranches from whom they get the ingredients from on the menu.
Spretzel with mustard dipping sauce. Chicken liver crostini with pickled persimmons.
Roasted beets with tangerines, endive & sunchokes. Cauliflower with potatoes, mustard, hard cooked egg & fried capers.
My friend had Braised California duck with toasted farro, pea tendrils & pomegranate. I had Pacific seafood soup: grilled bass, Dungeness crab, mussels, clams, white shrimp & romesco.
We opened some nice wines...Georges Laval, Champagne, Cumieres Premier Cru Brut Nature. From Valee de la Marne. Georges Laval has been a biologique producer since 1971. 50% Chardonnay, 25% each PN & PM. No dosage. The wine had the very natural feel and outstanding palate. Elegant mousse, floral, mineral, and brioche. We also had 2007 Marcarini, Barolo, Brunate, and 1997 Domaine des Baumard, Quarts de Chaume.
Desserts: Sicilian chocolate cake, and Persimmon brioche.
The food was really tasty and well-prepared (and the prices were so reasonable). And, both the service and ambience were spot-on. This restaurant made me feel how lucky I am to live in LA. Freshest ingredients and layers and layers of wonderful flavors.
I am so happy Cooks County is there now.
