J
Google
A year old and still going very strong! Chef Lenny and his sous Chef Aaron seriously have a fantastic synergy and flow with their creative and equally delicious dishes that they are pumping out here at Charcoal Grill & Bar. Beautifully plated, thoughtfully executed and carefully crafted, these dishes really not only are pleasing to the eyes but to the palate of all that come here to dine.
Open kitchen concept is great and the ambiance is young and hip but the space is a bit cramped inside so I was very thankful for the abundant outdoor seating area! Staff is really friendly and engaging plus not once did I hear from any of them using the excuse of how they don't cover a table, when one was flagged down for something by a diner.
Chef Lenny, a LA native, came out to the east coast to hone his cooking skills under one of the more well known and loved restaurateur/chef's in the kosher scene in NYC. His love of food and the science behind it really shows when he excitedly explains how he developed a dish or flavor profile. What makes him one of the greats is that he's open to constructive feedback from his clientele and continually looking to improve what's already great.
I love the immediate offerings of cured green olive and briney Israeli pickle chops that are bright to the table when you're seated. We continued on to the generous portion of housemade hummus topped with havenly roasted lamb shoulder and picked red onions, a perfect dish that encompassed spice, salt and tart all in one bite. The grilled rib eye special and the meat platter featuring Korean marinaded short ribs (which was exactly the way Koreans like their bbq short ribs) and a generous tender lamb chop that followed soon after were exactly what my eyes and stomach wanted! The lamb bacon was killer, a great balance of sweet & salty with a bit of smoky, it was the perfect bite each time. Wish I had room for their epic burger but the table next to ours seemed to enjoy it.
The apps, sides and entrees are all executed gloriously at Charcoal, however, the pièce de resistance are the phenomenal desserts sous Chef Aaron has developed and created here. Classically trained in French pastry making in France, he brings pareve desserts to the next level and then some. He incorporates French technique with flavors like rose water and the like to bring the most delicious, delightful and unique dessert selections, ever. But don't fret, he also has an offering of the most decadent and properly made chocolate soufflé as well.
When in LA, if you don't have the time to foodie crawl like myself, then I insist that you drop into just Charcoal! Seriously really looking forward to my next visit very soon!