 Andre Guerrero, born in the Philippines, was a major force in the evolution of a California cuisine with Asian accents, now an L.A. staple. This restaurant, named after one of his sons, attracted a trendy Valley crowd since its debut in 2002. The chef-owner has now reinvented the place as a more casual concept, the kind of reasonably priced bistro one would feel comfortable returning to a couple times a week. Polished candlelit wood tables are spread throughout a livelier, less pretentious room with mustard and burgundy accents. A couple of cozy alcoves are fine for intimate dinners, while other tables spill out onto the sidewalk beneath a protective awning. After a good beginning of this reinvention, the kitchen has lost its edge. The menu has been noticeably abbreviated and the execution erratic. Starters include a salad loaded up with several varieties of roasted beets, topped with a golf ball-size goat cheese crouton. Another recommended appetizer, ideal for sharing, is a miniature crock of velvety chicken liver pâté flavored with truffles, served with toasted bread and house-pickled vegetables (cauliflower, onions, carrots) instead of cornichons. Among the Asian-inspired items are a quintet of miniature ahi towers for a starter and miso-glazed black cod served over shiitake mushrooms and sugar snap peas for a main course. A Cambozola-topped burger that ranks among the Valley’s best is served with crispy fries and a sweet homemade ketchup.
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Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in your area. Also, check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.
