KITCHY EATS

My assignments for Zagat have led me to interesting nooks and crannies all over the city (a speak-easy in the back of a French Dip shop and a Silver Lake BBQ joint with taxidermied squirrels come to mind), but only every now and then do I stick around for a meal.  At Barbrix the menu was too appealing to turn down.  First off, there were deviled eggs on the menu, and my camera assistant for the day (aka zee boyfriend) is obsessed with deviled eggs.  My aunt served them at an Easter Brunch he missed, and he lamented it for the rest of the week.  Now was the moment of his redemption.  Also, charcuterie plates! Cheese! Schneider and Sohn Edel Weisse Beer!  I had made my reservation before seeing the place, expecting it to be the typical mix of cozy/quirky/cool that Silver Lake has to offer.  Though all of these aspects were at play here, the space mixed Spanish Colonial touches with modern minimalism, creating an open space that was both warm and unobtrusive.  Plus, who doesn't love a chartreuse bar?

Here were some of the highlights:

  

Forget the church pot-luck, these deviled eggs are sophisticated and the perfect first bite of a meal.

Veal meatballs with lemon and bay leaf.  These were both savory and bright, with clean, clear flavors.  

Homemade pork rilletes...

The Farmer's Market platter.  A beautiful and tasty veg platter: some are roasted, baked, or pickled.  
Lamb Chops with Gremolata with artichoke chips.
Ginger Short cake with mixed berries and cream.  This was a great way to end the night.  Ginger cakes usually have a pumpkin pie sans the pumpkin feeling with me, and I usually avoid them, especially in the summer months.  But this ginger cake was light and zesty, with a delicate spiciness that went beautifully with the tart berries.  If the other ginger cakes felt more ginger bread house, this shortcake felt like freshly shaved ginger that you enjoy with sushi.  Refreshing and bright, not overpowering or muddled.