THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Restaurant Halie

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Restaurant Halie Restaurant Review:

After an uncertain start, this ambitious project is beginning to deliver on its promise. Owners Greg and Laurel Lukasiewicz are part of the accomplished family team that made Monrovia's Devon worth a trek from the Westside (Devon is named after their first daughter and Halie is Devon's younger sister). The restaurant is located in the historic Cheesewright Building---once a secret military compound frequented by Albert Einstein---that has been transformed into a stylish setting in which bold contemporary accents coexist with the landmark's original design elements. The front lounge area boasts a massive stone fireplace, exposed brick walls and a sleek blonde bar, while the main dining room is splashed in seductive red paint. A secluded patio makes for a romantic hideaway. Service has lacked consistency, but the arrival of chef Claude Beltran, formerly of Pasadena standouts Cayo and Derek's, brings a serious approach to the cooking here. He does a nice job with foie gras, whether seared with a port-fig reduction, or prepared au torchon. Caramelized sea scallops are dressed in cilantro-orange glaze, rack of lamb is scented with rosemary, and duck is given a Southwest bent, marinated in achiote and served with a New Mexico chile sauce. An impressive---though not particularly value-oriented---wine list is a work in progress at this intriguing restaurant whose best days are likely ahead. Wine Bar & Bistro 112, situated within the restaurant, features over 200 wines and a late-night bistro menu.