Wallflower Venice Harryson Tobing Wallflower

Wallflower

609 Rose Ave. (Sixth Ave.)
Venice, CA 90291
213-373-6609
Map
Cuisine: Southeast Asian
This neighborhood restaurant presents Southeast Asian flavors in Venice.
Openings: Dinner nightly

Features

Wallflower, Venice, CA


Wallflower Restaurant Review:


Wallflower in Venice has no identifying sign outside, so it can be a bit tricky to find this charming neighborhood restaurant. Those who succeed in doing so will be rewarded with Southeast Asian flavors in an organic space filled with wood and brick. Bentwood chairs and marble-top tables give the feeling of a French bistro with a dash of Saigon style. Seating is also available at the bar (with handy hooks underneath for hanging purses) and on the petite patio with low-slung tables, benches and a fireplace. Start off with "street snacks" of duck lumpia (Filipino spring rolls) or bakwan (Indonesian fritters). Executive chef Harryson Tobing's menu continues thematically with dishes that represent "merantau," i.e. "leaving home but keeping the tradition." Take part in this culinary journey by enjoying spoonfuls of sop buntut (oxtail soup) or bites of laksa udang (shrimp curry with noodles). "Homecoming" is represented by fried whole fish, wok-tossed lobster and ayam panggang rujak (roasted half jidori chicken, soy chili, coconut milk, tamarind). Finish the meal with the Japanese matcha cake, which features a thick layer of white chocolate mousse. The beer and wine offerings are limited, so consider making a selection from the beautifully illustrated cocktail menu. The Asian-influenced libations include the Pedicab Cadillac, essentially a margarita with yuzu five spice.