THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Traxx Awards

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Traxx Restaurant Review:

One of the pioneers of the ever-expanding downtown dining scene, this intimate Art Deco-inspired restaurant is located in the middle of Union Station, which happens to be one of L.A.'s great architectural gems. Chef-owner Tara Thomas honed her skills at The Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco with Gary Danko. In her small open kitchen, she demonstrates plenty of finesse with an unfussy menu judiciously accented with contemporary twists. Her Louisiana-style crab cake is lightly breaded and deep-fried to a golden brown, anchored in a pool of chipotle chile-infused rémoulade. Bite into it and at first there's only air, a magical illusion that gives way to seductive, creamy crab meat. Among our favorite entrées are the house-cured pork chop, all salty sweetness and tender meat, enhanced with a fig-balsamic reduction and fig-studded polenta; as well as a pleasantly light wild striped bass with caramelized fennel and coriander vinaigrette. There's also a good burger. A small and predictable wine list is dominated by big-name California labels. Traxx is well worth a visit, even if you're not heading out on Amtrak.