A.O.C.

A.O.C. is our neighborhood go-to for good food and wine. It's laid- back, relaxing, and chic all at the same time. The walled-in patio lets you enjoy the California sunshine without the chaos or noise from the street. The beautiful vines along the walls and bricked fireplace make you feel as if you've been magically transported to a restaurant in Tuscany.

Now onto the good stuff...

The food here is mostly tapas style: small plates for the entire table to share. In fact, A.O.C. basically kicked off the entire small plates trend that is now so popular in LA. Specifically, the owner and chef mastermind behind the delicious menu, Suzanne Goin. Her business partner, Caroline Styne, has assembled an award-winning wine list that can be enjoyed by the glass alongside the small plates.

Chris and I love this method because you get to taste so many different dishes in one meal. The main picture up above is the Brioche, Prosciutto, Gruyere and Egg dish. It is ah-ma-zing. Probably my favorite thing on the menu. Just writing about it I'm craving another one!

 I usually order wine, but I was feeling adventurous and took a gander at the cocktail menu. I ordered what I thought to be a slightly girlie drink, and this is what was brought to me. I'm pretty sure it looked exactly the same as Christopher's double scotch on the rocks (apart from the lemon and orange peel). 

I imagine that if I enjoyed a stiff drink, this would be quite good. A little much for my taste buds, I'll probably stick with wine next time! It sure does photograph well though :) Very MadMen-esque!

In addition to the Brioche, Prosciutto, Gruyere and Egg dish, we ordered a few more small plates and shared a scallop platter. Everything was delicious, but we weren't too surprised about that... I just recently found out that A.O.C. claimed the number 1 spot on Los Angeles magazine's list of 75 Best Restaurants in LA!

Pappardelle, Shell Beans, Squash, Yellowfoot & Parmesan

Focaccia Special

Seared  Scallops Platter

Not pictured are the oh-so-tasty bacon wrapped dates. I could eat a million of those! Chris and I have tried to duplicate this popular appetizer at home, but to be honest we haven't quite reached A.O.C. status. Oh well, I guess we just have to keep visiting :)

Or we could order the A.O.C. cookbook that is available on their website. It teaches you how to make gourmet dishes right in your own home. In addition to the amazing recipes, it explains why each ingredient pairs well with another and the specific flavor or quality it brings to the dish! 

My favorite part of the meal would have to be the dessert (surprise surprise!) We ordered the butterscotch pot de creme, and it was outstanding. Not too sweet, we were able to finish the whole thing and probably could have each ordered our own. The salted cashew cookies were the perfect compliment on the side. Another great meal at one of our favorites. 

Butterscotch pot de creme