The Misfit

The Misfit Restaurant Review:

Set street-level in Santa Monica’s Clock Tower building in a space once home to Anisette Brasserie, The Misfit from LGO Hospitality (La Grande Orange Café, The Luggage Room Pizzeria) manages to keep many of the handsome design elements intact, while adding nuances to give the place its own identity. The two-story bar still dominates, but now features a hand-painted mural above it; the tiled floors pay homage to the former inhabitant, with "Anisette" even spelled out by the bar, and shelves are lined with books and vintage cocktail shakers. Menu highlights include a variety of small plates --- there are technically only two or three entrée-size portions --- and the farmers market focus is evident. We suggest the thinly sliced, lemony asparagus with a poached egg, a seasonal plate of fresh snap peas and pea tendrils, and iron skillet-cooked crispy fried Jidori chicken. Also noteworthy is the baked mac ‘n’ cheese. In fact, it was so good we didn't even miss the gluten --- it’s made with brown rice pasta --- we only wish there were more green chiles to give it an extra kick. All guests are treated to complimentary salted chocolate chip cookies. A handful of boutique wines are available by the glass, and the craft beer selection is generous.