THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Sawtelle Kitchen

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Sawtelle Kitchen Restaurant Review:

Charming is the first word that comes to mind with this diminutive eatery on Sawtelle Boulevard, West L.A.’s center of Japanese life. The room and patio are right out of Provence with warm, earth-hued walls, climbing vines and an armoire showcasing what looks like grandma's porcelain collection. The food is a mix of down-home and haute Japanese. There are a dozen curry dishes ladled onto rice and topped with options like deep-fried meatloaf or sautéed shrimp. Better to order one of the beautifully presented entrées, such as grilled salmon with wasabi-cream sauce, served with fresh, gently cooked vegetables, or six-hour braised lamb shank. There’s also an interesting pasta gratin with chicken and broccoli, blanketed in Swiss and Gruyère, as well as a variety of dishes with both Italian and Japanese influences (e.g., spaghetti with pollack caviar, seaweed and daikon sprouts). For snacking, a selection of small plates ranges from fried chicken wings to silky tofu to saké-steamed mussels. For dessert, options include sweet potato pie, a jumbo cream puff, and custard pudding. A surprisingly compelling wine list is offered, with well-priced, intriguing selections from around the world.