Wolf Dining LA is drawing a packed howling hungry crew each night and after watching famed Executive Chef and Owner Marcel Vigneron literally build the restaurant from the ground up (as we watched in awe of not only his culinary creativity but his construction skills on social media), his new Melrose Avenue space was the first place we had to dine when returning to Los Angeles.
Chef Marcel has not only worked under the best chefs in the world but he is known for his TV debuts on Top Chef and Next Iron Chef. He came into our radar when he first lead an interactive cooking demonstration at the Samsung Studio space where he wowed us with some smoking nitro desert and we took home a personalized cookbook with him in it. We have been following his foodgasms ever since, from the White House to his Diamond star private dinners to feeding the masses at Coachella.
The new restaurant on Melrose Ave takes seasonal cuisine and combines unique flavor combinations for a mouthwatering twist, something “LA” inspired from the myriad cultures that make up Los Angles, from Thai Town to Taco Trucks. We weren’t sure what to think at first glance of the menu, but the chef master and his team shocked us with flavor medleys we couldn’t dream up.
First, I am not a fan of carrots, raw or cooked, but when my friend mentioned that this dish was getting rave reviews we had to try it. The Burnt Carrots were unbelievably delicious with this coconut creme pouf mousse paired with passion fruit, tarragon, macadamia, and lime. We could have easily eaten a few more of these carrot plates!
Other dishes that stood out were Hamachi Crudo that included a nice crunch on top with puffed rice AND nuoc cham, kumquat, radish, and herbs. The White Miso Black Cod is another winner, a melt in your mouth fish that was bathed in juice right in front of us consisting of watermelon radish, bean sprouts, dashi, and wasabi greens. Unbelievable! Of course you can expect to find Brussels Sprouts, Charred Broccoli, Roast Chicken, Baby Kale, and Mushroom Risotta, but concocted in a way with ingredients to surprise you. I’m wondering about the Beef Cheek and the Tom Kha, pork belly with black tiger prawns. Since it was my birthday, we of course had to end with the Not Your Grandma’s Chocolate Cake that literally came out in gold! My friend thought it wasn’t edible, but I knew that gold foil was there to be savored along with the gianduia ice cream and candied hazelnuts.
Located in a beautiful narrow space that feels somewhat like a New York restaurant with the bar at back and gorgeous stained ceilings (created by Marcel’s own hands), the space was packed by the time we sat down around 7 PM. The word is out!
We are looking forward to trying more savory dinner bites from the Wolfpack and rolling in for brunch to try the Chai French Toast, Chia Porridge, Chicken and Waffles, and Golden Eggs.
As their website confesses, #Onlythestrongsurvive. Join their Wolfpack for a memorable meal you will be talking about for months.
Stay tuned for Chef Marcel Vigneron’s next surprise which is right next door to Wolf called Beefsteak.
Dinner: Tues-Sat 6pm–10pm
Brunch: Sat-Sun 10am-3pm
7661 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
lalascoop.com 