"The generically named Fusion Kitchen is a Ukranian all-day spot in Mid-Wilshire from the Mom, Please people, with the same menu as the original Playa Del Rey location (minus the pizzas, which always felt tacked-on anyway). Consider it a great sit-down option after a stroll at the La Brea Tar Pits, or when you need somewhere to sit with your laptop. After ordering at the counter, choose between the sidewalk patio or the eclectic dining room that looks like Tam O’Shanter and Great White. Our favorite dish is their deliciously plump pelmeni, tiny beef-filled dumplings with chewy, crimped edges. There are also a few mlyntsi (crepes) to choose from—some sweet, some savory. Our go-to from the latter is the gravy-rich chicken and mushroom one that reminds us of green bean casserole in a comforting, mother’s-love sort of way. Food Rundown photo credit: Sylvio Martins Beef Pelmeni These juicy pelmeni are available all-day, and we’d strongly recommend them for breakfast with a hot coffee (or at anytime of day, really). The dough is chewy at the edges, but soft and supple in the middle, and the caramelized onion adds a touch of sweetness to the beefy filling. Mlyntsi with Chicken and Mushroom We're team savory crepe all the way, and these ones prove our point. They’re pan-fried until crispy and sturdy enough to hold their chicken and mushroom filling like a blanket swaddling a newborn. There’s also a salty mushroom gravy underneath to scoop up with every forkful. photo credit: Sylvio Martins Mlyntsi with Salmon Tastes like someone slapped smoked salmon on a few naked crepes and called it a day. Not bad, but we much prefer the other crepe and pancake options with more going on. photo credit: Sylvio Martins Medovik This honey cake sounds sweeter than it really is. Each layer is super moist, so your fork slices right through like a lightsaber. Enjoy with coffee, a book, or whenever you want a light dessert." - Sylvio Martins
