THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Sawyer Awards

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Sawyer Restaurant Review:

Seafood-focused Sawyer in Silver Lake is a modern and airy 2,400-square-foot space that seats 90 guests inside and out --- the charming back patio features olive and birch trees and a fireplace. With windows that look out to Sunset Boulevard, it’s no surprise that the restaurant gets packed with a chic, social crowd. The market-focused menu offers shareable plates, chilled seafood and a variety of California dishes. Fine oysters are a good way to start, as is charred Spanish octopus with pine-smoked mayo. Fried Brussels sprouts get a kick from caramelized black garlic, while duck-fat popovers with bleu cheese could be lighter and bolder. Likewise, the cod is pleasant but rather bland. We recommend the warm and savory soft-shell crab sandwich on a squid ink bun. The pretty lemon tart is a nice finish to a meal. Dario Dell'Anno (Providence, Bastide), who serves as general manager and sommelier, presents a variety of wines that include boutique and small-batch winemakers. The cocktails are also quite compelling, but be warned, the bar is a mad scene. If you manage to get a bartender's attention, consider the “Seconds Count” made with gin, Champagne and lavender honey dusted with bee pollen. There’s also brunch on weekends. Dishes include a sunny-side hash with duck confit, ricotta skillet cake and chocolate croissant custard toast.