Taste Awards

Taste Restaurant Review:

This neighborhood venue is a refreshing spot of bistro-like elegance wedged amongst the old-school bars and restaurants that make up the bulk of Long Beach’s Belmont Heights. The mélange of stressed woods, exposed brick and black metals provide a touch of sleekness to the cozy space, and the vibe is smartly enhanced by a small but solid list of wines and craft brews, thus providing locals with a welcoming respite from louder area watering holes. Executive chef Brad Neumann seizes the opportunity this atmosphere creates by building a smart, unpretentious menu of rustic modern fare that delivers a nicely nuanced spin on familiar flavors. Kick things off with a flatbread or a snack to share, perhaps the seared beef carpaccio with radishes and Granny Smith apples. We recommend the bowl of Indian vegetable curry, with its rich, warm-without-being-spicy flavors. Mains such as the seared duck breast with vanilla-scented sweet potato mash, ginger pan sauce and spice roasted quince also satisfy with well-composed taste profiles. Desserts include butterscotch pot de crème and the multi-layered chocolate ganache crêpe cake.