Angler, Los Angeles

New restaurants in Los Angeles seem to pop up daily, so rarely is it noteworthy when a new one moves in. Luckily Angler , Chef Joshua Skenes’ new LA eatery at the Beverly Center, is an exception to this rule.

The menu is dedicated to seafood but also features delicious meat and vegetable choices and varies seasonally with the availability of fresh, local ingredients. There are many standout dishes,like a whole chicken made with a technique called ‘ladle-blanching’ in which the bird is slow-roasted while being repeatedly doused with broth until the skin is a crispy golden brown. The marble fish is gently poached in a chive butter and served alongside its deep-fried skeleton. The grilled Parker House rolls, basted in boar fat and served with cultured butter (with seaweed folded in and generously sprinkled with smoked barbecue salt), are a perfect accompaniment to any item on the menu.

The open kitchen with hanging vegetables and dried fish is reminiscent of an old farmhouse. Guests can watch the chefs create everything including dessert. This portion of the menu is formulated around the restaurant’s ice cream machine. All the ice creams are made in-house and go into delicious, comfort-food creations like the soft serve sundae sprinkled with chocolate pieces and served with a decadent smoked caramel sauce.

Aside from the amazing food and dedicated staff, Angler has plenty of nice touches (like soft, knit blankets at every seat) and interesting quirks. The entrance is found inside of the mall’s parking structure — just find the valet and you’re in. Perhaps the most unexpected surprise will be your trip to the bathroom where the Japanese toilets, complete with remote controls to adjust the seat temperature, may just keep you distracted from the delicious meal being served in the dining room.

Angler
8500 Beverly Blvd., Suite 117
Los Angeles, CA 90048
tel 424 332 4082