On August 6, Vinoteque resurfaced next to The Foundry on Melrose, in the former home of Café Luna. Gil Ran is the last man standing from the original Culver City partnership. Adam Fleischman (Umami Burger) and Alex Shteyman are no longer involved.

Executive chef Joshua Smookler spent some time in the kitchen at The French Laundry, and he’ll continue to build on Ran’s interest in wine and “European size plates.” Opetions include Lamb Meatballs ($9) stuffed with goat cheese, tomatoes and mint; Bone Marrow Crostini ($12) with oxtail jam; and Diver Scallops ($14) with creamed leeks, tater tots and gastrique. If you’re looking for something more substantial, consider Skate ($17) with mussel pesto; Duck Breast ($17) with sweet corn, pea shoots and pomegranate; or Pork Tenderloin ($19) with rutabaga, pickled Asian pear and mustard. Seasonal desserts include Thyme Roasted Peaches ($10) with pecan crunch and olive oil ice cream. CLICK HERE FOR THE OPENING MENU

The publicist described a spacious backyard with plentiful seating for weekend wine tastings and cigar smoking. To start, it’s all about the night, but Vinoteque will eventually open during the week for breakfast and lunch.

Related Posts

1. Azami Chef Resurfaces in Arcadia at Inaka
2. Xooro Expanding to Melrose
3. Michael Chiarello Resurfaces in NapaStyle
4. Ongaro closes All’ Angelo on Melrose
5. Dose of Vitamin P: The Foundry on Melrose Pork Belly

1. Pingback: Food GPS » Blog Archive » Vinoteque Resurfacing on Melrose - Find Restaurants on July 1, 2009

This entry is filed under LA Culinary Compass.