la.foodblogging

Jar
8225 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
9.23.06 - Saturday, 8:30 PM
Myself + 1 guest (Internet date, Mr. Smooth)

Time number three at Beverly Blvd.’s Jar trumped the other experiences by a landslide, and that’s sayin’ something; this little honey was already in my favorites list, so I’m all kinds of smitten now. Jar is a gem.

I love the interior - a mixture of steakhouse flair with upscale touches and a hint of the femine power lurking in the kitchen. The acoustics in this joint, however, are atrocious - ready yourself for a loud talking fest, and turn up the hearing aids. Yet that’s my one and only complaint, so I’ll not harp. If you’re hungry for the best protein in town, the roar fades into a whisper when the food arrives.

The menu has a smattering of everything, including a fish dish or two, but it’s really all about the steak here. Suzanne Tracht, the woman behind the magic, is just astonishing. She’s flubs a bit with delicate ingredients like orange blossoms and vegetables, but more than makes up for it with the main event. Oh, and the pudding. This is certainly not a selection I’d make in any other establishment, but here, this gelatinous goodness is as good as gold - butterscotch or chocolate gold, the very best kind.

The occasion this night was a special one - date two with an eligible, pretty damn fabulous internet connection, and it held a birthday. The Libra had reason to celebrate, and this was my treat. I think I scored some points - all part of the plan, of course.
Now, without further ado . . .

Drinks:

Martini night, extra dirty, some gin, some vodka - allll good

Bread:

French loaf with butter - standard, but chewy and lovely

Appetizer:

Half dozen oysters
* The variety escapes me, but these were small, creamy, and hyper-fresh, served with lemon and a pretty decent ponzu

Entrees:

Kansas City Steak
* Cooked medium rare, served with a dab of butter on top and a lobster bernaise sauce
I have waxed poetic on Jar’s lobster bernaise before, hypothesizing that a bath in this stuff could cure any ailment, but let me go on record as saying this KC steak + sauce combo is the absolutely most beautiful pairing imaginable. I’m salivating at the memory. Sinfully perfect. LA Times recently declared this KC as the best in the city, and I can’t imagine a better preparation. So, so divine.

Roasted wild salmon with a shallot and lemon vinegarette
* While this little number was perfectly prepared, soft and delicate, the sauce wasn’t such a standout, and next to the steak . . .well, salmon, you’re second class. Sorry to say.

Sides:

Japanese Purple Yams
* Another must-have — these puppies are loaded with sour cream and chives, and easily the most delicious tubers you’ll ever experience. I don’t know of another spot in LA that serves these up, which makes them all the more special. Outstanding, and well-matched with the steak I’m thinking about marrying.

Roasted asparagus
* An old standby, but quite well prepared - not too tough, but with definite substance and flavor.

Dessert:

Chocolate Pudding
* As stated above, there’s no other pudding like this. So rich and delicious, with homemade whipped cream and a consistency to die for. It’s so decadent, you feel richer just by swishing this on your tongue. Plus, they gave the birthday boy an elegant candle presentation, which I’m hoping scored me even more points. Sweet.

Total for 1 bottle of water, 1 appetizer, 2 entress, 2 sides, and 1 dessert: $134, before tip.

RESTAURANT REPORT CARD - Jar, Visit 3

Ambiance - B
Service - B
Food (Taste) - B+
Food (Presentation) - B-
Wine/Drinks - B
Value - B
Vibe/Energy/Scene - B
Overall Experience - B

Final word - I’ll be back, again and again, for the KC. Skip the Australian Kobe and the fish/seafood - if it moos, Suzanne is the master.

By PoetKitty (see more of her posts). You can find more of PoetKitty's writing at her own website OMG Food!