margot Awards

margot Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: There are many reasons to go to margot, an escape set on a rooftop in Culver City. Let’s start in order. It is open for lunch, aperitivo hour and dinner --- and there is free valet parking. As you exit the elevator, the grand entrance is an introduction to the psychedelic décor of designers Thomas Schoos and Lisa Gill; the elegant glass-enclosed wine cellar in the background sets the tone for the wine list. The location on the top floor of the Platform (a design and retail center) guarantees ample natural light until sunset, and an outdoor patio with views of the city (and the metro line, but it is not as disturbing as one might think at first sight). Move deeper in to discover an open kitchen, a lounge with plush sofas, a stylish bar, the industrial style dining room and the deck flanked with plants and fiery, pyramid-shaped patio heaters to add vibrancy (and warmth during the colder evenings).

Likes: There are many, so you surely will want to go back.
Dislikes: Once you have figured out where the entrance to the valet parking is (3950 Landmark Street), none.

About the food: Owner Rohan Talwar (of Norah in West Hollywood) and executive chef Michael Williams have chosen to please us with what they like to call “coastal Mediterranean cuisine,” represented by Spanish and Italians dishes. You may start with some oysters, but of course they don’t require as much of a touch from the kitchen as the raw mackerel in a citrus jus; stuffed piquillo peppers with Idiazabal cheese; charred broccoli with tzatziki on a bed of crispy quinoa and feta; or the brined and roasted cauliflower topped with Parmesan fonduta, salsa verde and almonds. Fans of jamón Ibérico de Bellota should definitively order a plate along with the delicious pan con tomate on house focaccia and whipped ricotta. You cannot skip the handmade pasta section, which sounds so tasty. As it’s hard to make a selection, we will leave the decision up to your desire of the day. The grilled amberjack collar seasoned with roasted pepper escalivada is a dish to order again on your next visit. Meatlovers will be happy with the 16-ounce Prime rib-eye accompanied by fingerling potatoes, horseradish crema and flavored with paprika butter. Finish with a tiramisù tres leches or the almond sorbet topped with a yummy coconut caramel and luxardo cherries.

About the drinks: It is rare that a hip restaurant goes to such great lengths to build an interesting wine list. It is another proof of the attention to details --- also evident in the dishware, art around the dining room and plating --- that Talwar and his team have for margot. The 25-page wine list focuses on the regions of Italy, Spain, France and California, and offers over 180 labels from which to choose. The extensive cocktail program, where fresh, locally-sourced ingredients are used, is a reason by itself to visit margot.