THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED The North Left Awards

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED The North Left Restaurant Review:

Located on the west end of downtown Santa Ana, The North Left has the look and feel of a typical gastropub with its dark interior, prominently positioned bar, and TV playing something vintage. Against this familiar backdrop, executive chef Ryan Adams and his team present their inventive, slightly Pacific Northwest-inspired takes on New American cuisine. Well-explored small-plate fare is rejuvenated, as in Brussels sprouts served with duck confit, sherry and apples or indulgent cauliflower with hazelnuts and San Joaquin gold cheese. Other dishes, like the homemade biscuits with ham and escargots and the steak tartare with spinach mashed potato and bonito butter, demonstrate a deft balance on the palate. Desserts such as the deconstructed s’more reveal the kitchen’s knack for playfulness. A solid cocktail program is highlighted by a compact selection of barrel-aged concoctions.