THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Bistro Ella

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Bistro Ella Restaurant Review:

THIS ESTABLISHMENT IS CLOSED The team that put Leila’s on L.A.’s culinary map (even though it’s in Oak Park) has opened this tiny bistro a short drive away in Newbury Park. Bistro Ella is small and somewhat casual, but the prices and the wine list reflect a fine-dining stance. Service is more friendly than crisp, but it matches the not-too-formal surroundings of brick walls and comfy booths. Chef Richie DeMane oversees the highly seasonal menu of New American dishes. His appetizers are always interesting, so indulge. A smooth tomato bisque surrounds a small, round grilled cheese sandwich. A large artichoke heart is stuffed with crab and deep-fried. Duck confit gets wrapped up in thin potato slices and also undergoes the frying treatment, coming out crispy and warm. For main courses, a lamb and porcini mushroom bolognese balances spiciness with crumbled goat cheese and pine nuts. The play of textures and heat is just wonderful. A duck steak is seared just to medium-rare and comes sliced like a tenderloin. The wine list features some nice boutique producers and the owner and general manager are very knowledgeable. Desserts, like the rest of the menu, are usually a twist on the norm. For instance, the crème brûlée is flavored with lemon while the tiramisu has hints of rum. Whatever the twist, it’s usually a good one.