Gray Tavern

Comme Ca Alum Debuts Tavern in Heart of Studio City | Eater LA

"Chef Jason Francisco’s new Studio City restaurant draws on Spanish, Italian, French and California influences and showcases his background running The Sherman and collaborating with Providence chef Michael Cimarusti to develop the Il Pesce menu, as well as time at Comme Ça. Located on Ventura Boulevard near Vineland and just blocks from the Red Line Metro, it offers a relaxed Valley patio and late-night hours for drinks (open Tuesday–Saturday, 4 p.m.–1 a.m.). The menu splits small plates into three sections, featuring elevated takes on local vegetables, meats (including a bone marrow dish), a hamachi crudo, and Spanish-style octopus; large platters are all under $30 and include highlights like wild salmon risotto and freshly made bucatini. Beverage director Phil Collins has assembled a strong wine and beer list plus inventive cocktails using fresh juices and custom ingredients—the What’s Up Doc, for example, combines Calabrian chili oil, vodka, ginger liqueur, carrot juice, bell pepper syrup, and orange blossom water." - Mona Holmes