My husband and I went here last night and really enjoyed it. We started the evening early at Colorado Wine Company where we tasted a Shiraz. As always, CWCo is the perfect Eagle Rock way to relax into an evening. We both tasted a South African Shiraz which was flavorful yet smooth. Sometimes Shiraz is to peppery for me but this wasn't. We bought a bottle and headed for Larkin's. I warned my husband that they had only been officially open for a couple of weeks so we might encounter some fumbling and awkwardness which is to be expected when a restaurant first opens. I usually wait at least a month of an opening before trying a place but we have been anticipating this opening for so long that we simply couldn't wait--and upon arrival it was clear that other Eagle Rockers and foodies felt the same. We got there about 6:30 (super early) and the place was packed. We had a twenty minute wait which was fine and I took as a good sign. Since the resataurant is a converted bungalow, the wait is kind of like hanging out in someone's back yard before the cook calls you in for dinner.

The waitstaff is wonderfully sweet and the interior of the place is warm and relaxing. The meal begins with black-eyed pea caviar and toasted pita. I love this opening. It is fresh and piquant and sets the stage for the food to come--updated soul food interpreted through a California palate. We started with the blue cheese wedge salad. The fried onions really worked well with the blue cheese and the tomato wedges were perfectly ripe. There could have been more onions and my husband thought a little more dressing but the wedge was just the right size. I had the barbeque shrimp and I absolutely loved the sauce. It has that perfect mix of sweetness coupled with a hot kick. The potato salad was good and the portion was fine but I almost think there could be a better side dish to accomany the shrimp or one more item on the plate (maybe the greens). I suppose you could order the sides seperately. My husband had the fried chicken and said it was good but the portion could have been a little bigger. They serve minicornbread muffins. These are delicious but again could have either served a few more or made them a little biggger. We had sweet potato pie for desert and this was perfect, creamy and well spiced.

All in all, the food hit all the right notes and I am sure will only improve. The place exudes warmth and really does feel like a restaurant you would find in the South. This is such a wonderful addition to Eagle Rock and to Los Angeles.

My husband and I went here last weekend and really liked it. The interior has a similar feel to Mia Sushi (Rudy's other place on Eagle Rock blvd). It's kind of zen-like with diffused lighting. I happen to like this style--I guess some don't. I thought the food was good bar/comfort food and the martini was perfect.

that's weird cause I just ordered again from them yesterday. 626-405-1101. Maybe I'm closer to Pas than you? hmm

Has anyone tried delivery from Italiano's in Highland Park?

When is Michelangelo's going to open? This will add a delicious Italian option for Eagle Rock.

Last weekend my husband and I got delivery from Akbar in Pasadena. They use a delivery service called Dinners Delivered so there is a service charge -- seven dollars I think. They are the delivery service for other Pasadena area restaurants so we will keep using them because sometimes we don't feel like cooking, don't feel like going out, and don't feel like ordering from Panang yet again. It was a nice change.

What happened? Chowhound is now unsearchable and no sorting by date--that was the most important feature. Why the change?

Where do you get delivery from in Eagle Rock? Is there any? How about a delivery service? help!

I had another great dining experience here. I took my brother and his wife who live in Pacific Heights in San Fran and always take me to incredible restaurants when I go there to visit. I wanted somewhere with an authentic LA vibe and having had such a good exp before I figured I'd give it another try. So happy I did. My brother had the chinese chicken salad, his wife had the pumpkin ravioli--and they loved it. I had halibut-good not as good as the first time but still good and my husband had lamb stew--which he still talks about. Again, the service was friendly but reserved--just the way I like it. And the vibe is Los Angeles at it's best--A perfect mix of urban and nature, zen and trend.

I guess I had an unusually good experience here. We went there over the summer on a Sunday night. The setting was so nice and laid back. The pizza was really good and reminded me of this place my parents used to take me to in Springfield, MA when I was a kid. My husband even liked the chicken that everyone calls disgusting on this board. The service was the normal aloof LA type of service but no one was rude. I enjoyed the place.

A friend of mine loves the burgers at Oinksters.

This place is all about going back in time. It's been there since 1954 I believe and I don't think much has changed since then. The food is what you'd expect from a 1950's italian steakhouse. The drinks are strong. They play live music during the dinner hour. The owner greets you, the staff is attentive, and the owner's wife sits at a both and watches to make sure everyone is taken care of and she says goodbye to all her patrons. It's very sweet, like I said, It's like stepping back in time.

Cafe Beaujolais in Eagle Rock is the French neighborhood bistro that you are looking for. Really, this is it. Don't bother anywhere else.

Larkin's isn't officially open yet but they are doing tastings. They have several scheduled over the weekend so give them a call. The menus sound delicious.

Eagle Rock Italian Bakery

Michelangelo from Silverlake is opening in Eagle Rock (though your quess is as good as mine as to when). I can't wait for an italian alternative to Casa Bianca in the neighborhood.

I got a post back that said they will be opening in January and the menu won't be available until then--however they assured me there would be mac and cheese. If anyone goes to the tastings, please post a review.

I had dinner for the first time at Cliff's Edge in Silverlake and I have to say, I thought it was superb. The parking was easy--they have valet. The entrance is enchanting as is the entire space. The music was a pleasant mix of indie rock played at just the right volume for conversation. The large outside patio was full and lively even though it was cold because the heaters were plentiful. We chose to eat inside. The interior was artistic yet comfortable and not stuffy and the lighting was romantic and subtle. It's the kind of place that you could stay and chat for hours with friends.

Now to the food.

The lentil soup was pureed with just the right notes of spice. delicious--and perfect for a winter special. I had the beaujolais which was the special wine by the glass for the evening and they served large pieces of fresh bread.

I had the halibut for dinner. Again this was a special. It had a rosemary pepper crust. I was worried that the rosemary would be overpowering but it was simply in the mix and provided an earthy coolness to the cracked pepper. It was plated on a lovely buttery tomato sauce and served with asparagus and spaghetti squash. I loved it.

We ended with flourless chocolate cake--It wasn't particulary unique or surprising except that it was served with a pleasing marmalade sauce. And hey, it was a moist dense chocolate cake, how can you go wrong with that? Even the decaf coffee that I had to finish the meal was brewed correctly and had no hint of staleness.

Our waitress was sweet and attentive but left us to our conversation and didn't rush us.

I will go back.

This place is on the expensive side...but O MY GOD...good

it's in Culver City and try the brownies too

http://www.essentialchocolate.com/

Thanks all. I'll try the veggie burger...though I'm pretty partial to the one at The Counter in Santa Monica.

Is the anything vegetarian on Oinkster's menu? My husband wants to check it out but I'm not sure there is anything for me to eat there.

French martini at the Chalet in Eagle Rock
The arugula salad at Briganti in South Pasadena
Chana Masala at Akbar in Pasadena
Veggie Burger at the Counter in Santa Monica
Vegetarian delight platter at Carousel in Glendale
vegetarian burrito (with black beans) at Taco Spot in Eagle Rock
Sweet Potato Fries at Spitz in Eagle Rock
ravioli at giovanni's in Culver City
brownie's at Essential Chocolate in Culver City
light roast coffee at Swork in Eagle Rock
french toast at Auntie Em's in Eagle Rock
french vanilla frozen yogurt with rasberries and chocolate shavings mixed in at 21 choices in Pasadena

Does anyone know when Larkin's in Eagle Rock is planning to open? The building looks just about complete.

In Eagle Rock:

Spitz
Taco Spot

Yes, I agree. Fatty's seems to get slammed on these boards yet every experience I have had there has been great. I can take my non-veg husband here and he loves the food as much as I do. It is not only artful and innovative but tasty and satisfying as well. The servers have always been friendly and attentive but leave you alone enough to have a romantic dinner or a conversation with friends. The building is loft-like and makes me feel like I'm in a real city not a fabricated one (like much of Los Angeles). My theory is that most Los Angeles residents that consider themselves "foodies" have bought into the crappy celebrity owned psuedo-cool, publicity driven dumps that Los Angeles abounds with, that they don't know what an authentic dining experience is.

Was there again last night. I have to say, even though it gets slammed on these boards, I really love this place--its the real deal not an uptight see and be seen plastic westside place but an authentic neighborhood bistro serving california cuisine with mexican undertones. I also love the building and the cozy booths.

In Eagle Rock, Pasadena's funky neighbor, you'll find:

Camilo's
Cafe Beaujolais
Fatty's
Casa Bianca
Coffee Table
Columbo's
Blue Hen
Spitz
Swork
Taco Spot
Oinkster
Auntie Em's
Mia Sushi

Soon to open:
Larkin's
Lemongrass
Michelangelo

My husband and I did take out from here on their first day open and we were pleasantly suprised by our black bean veg. burritos. They were fresh and had a nice spicy kick. Those who live in the Rock understand why having a quick healthy take out place nearby is such a happy thing. Sure, my husband loves Jerry's, La Fuente, etc. But the healthier mexican places are something we can both agree upon on a weekday evening after long days at work. So, having places like this in the 'hood really are supported (you maybe have to be a local Eagle Rocker to understand).

I passed by Taco Spot at 2006 Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock and saw that it is now open. I picked up a take out menu and the food is healthy mexican tacos and burritos--perfect for picking up after work. I will try it this week.

The Oinkster sign is up!!!