Where Nerds Eat: Barlo Kitchen + Cocktails
by Michael Quezada
So I was recently in Venice, visiting a friend and she took me to an amazing little restaurant on the on the Boardwalk. Barlo: Kitchen + Cocktails is not what would you expect, for one it's in a hotel and for second you wouldn't expect that a kitchen that small can produce such good food. It is situated in the Hotel Erwin, and produce's some of the best food in Venice. The menu items are seasonal and fresh, but this is not one of your over priced just cause they can kind of hotel restaurants. This place is driven by a chef that knows how to actually mix seasonal flavors with rich traditional flavors. The place has the feel of a classic southern bar, with a good amount of classical French flavors. We went for Breakfast, and of course being an L.A. winter day we sat on the patio in the sun.
We got a couple of things to share, but each of the items could have been easily on the individual portion size. The Hunter: Duck and Bacon Sausage, Poached Eggs, Home Fries and Hollandaise Sauce, is a beast. You can tell that the Sausage is made in house, that a skilled hand made the hollandaise and the poached eggs are runny and rich. And as you know by now my love for a good sandwich has no bounds, so when I see a classic like the Croque Madame, I am all in. The Croque Madam: Rustic Bread, Sunny up Eggs, Ham, Hollandaise, Gruyere. This was one of the best sandwiches I have had in awhile, now when you throw fresh eggs on top of an already great sandwich, I start to do my happy dance. We also shared some fresh seasonal berries, to make us feel a little healthier. As I was finishing up I glanced at the dinner menu, and I may have come at the wrong time. With items like the Scrooge McDuck: House-cured Duck confit, Baby Potatoes and Cherry Gastrique and The Door in theWall: Polenta, Crimini Mushrooms, Baby Carrots, Brussels Sprouts and Pea Essence( the dish is both Vegan and Gluten Free), it truly shows the range of a really good chef. I will definitely be back for dinner. Great job Chef Nick Ducher. So if you happen to be cruising the Boardwalk after a L.A.R.Ping session or a drum circle, check out the Hotel Erwin and the amazing little restaurant inside
Happy Eating
Mike the food nerd
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