Commerson joins the burgeoning list of tantalizing restaurants on La Brea in mid-city – more than I could imagine ten years ago. Just down the road from Republique, La Brea Bakery, and above Trejo’s Tacos on the corner of W. 8th, sits this dimly lit bustling restaurant bar Scandinavian streamlined, open with minimalist decor.
Helmed by former Wolfgang Puck Chef Sal Garcia, the California cuisine is well executed and thoughtful while the remarkable dessert selection is due to the creativity of Pastry Chef Elizabeth Sencion (formerly with W Hotel in Hollywood). Packed even on a weekday at 7 PM, make your reservation for some Valentine’s Day items that will appear on the Love Menu one day only:
- Kusshi Oysters served with cucumber mignonette, cocktail sauce, and lemon for $4 each.
- Beet Salad from Tamai Family Farms, burrata, toasted hazelnuts, citrus vinaigrette for $15
- Steak Tartare made from prime filet, quail egg, cornichon, grilled sourdough baguette, Maldon sea salt for $18
- Housemade Lobster Bolognese, fettuccine, 1/2 Maine Lobster, Parmigiano Reggiano, crispy fennel, olive oil, parsley for $29
- Housemade Campanella made with wild mushrooms, herbs, burrata, shallots, bread crumbs, winter truffles for $32
- 8 oz Wood Grilled Prime Filet Mignon with farmers market vegetables, roasted fingerling potatoes, red wine sauce for $42
What to share?
What menu is not complete in LA without Brussel Sprouts, and these sprouts are beautifully prepared with tonnato, shallots, herbs, and parmesan cheese.
Red Snapper Ceviche, fresh fish served with plantain chips
What to order and NOT share?
Burgandy Braised Short Ribs
Miso Salmon in a dashi broth
My first Wild Pacific Shrimp and Chorizo burger did not disappoint. One of the most popular items on the menu is this hefty “burger” with avocado, pepper jack, alfalfa sprouts, AND big chunks of shrimp. The spicy flavor with crustaceans in a sandwich was new to my taste buds.
The succulent Niman Ranch Pork Shoulder Chop is prepared with hazelnut gremolata, garlic, parsley, and lemon zest mix with a side of carrots and broccolini.
Homemade Campanelle with wild mushrooms, herbs, burrata, shallots, bread crumbs
What to savor?
Incredibly presented, the Citrus Dacquoise was another unexpected flavor punch that included an egg-like scoop of mandarin sorbet, a ribbon of matcha whipped cream, another egg-like scoop of creme Catalan (similar to a crème brûlée), all atop brown sugar streusel.
Carrot Cake with dehydrated and glazed carrots that taste like candy.
S’mores Cake
Apple Tart
Happy Hour at the bar is 5:00-6:30 pm from Tuesday – Sunday. Specials include $2.00 off draft beers and several wines for $7.00 a glass. Well drinks are $8 and they have three special happy hour drinks for $8. Parking is available in the back with validation.
Escalate your taste buds by dining at Commerson.
788 S La Brea Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90036
lalascoop.com 