When Bashan opened in fall 2007, the family-run Sparr Heights restaurant immediately vaulted to the top of the NELA food chain. Chef Nadav Bashan prepared seasonally inspired cuisine and wife Romy offered a comforting front of the house presence in north Glendale. Two years later, the food is even more refined. Ever since sous chef Jonathan Kim arrived 15 months ago, the menu now features some inspired Asian accents. For instance, braised pork belly “Asian Style” ($14) currently hosts two daikon varieties (spicy strands and a cooling rectangle), an explosive pickled ginger and garlic puree, and a charred Shishito pepper on the side. This meaty rectangle sports an intoxicating kick and easily rates with the city’s best bellies.

Dose of Vitamin P spotlights my favorite pork dish from the previous week.