Salim Ali Khan
Google
We have been fans of Lele Cake, the charming café next door, for quite some time now, and with the opening of Lele Kitchen, it was only a matter of time before we ended up visiting it. Specializing in Eastern European/Belarusian-inspired dishes with a "California farm-to-fork" ethos, this restaurant brings a fresh, innovative approach to dining. Their commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients from local farmers' markets and nearby farms truly shines through in every dish. Open for dinner with reservations required, we were delighted to secure a spot and easily found parking in the nearby lot.
Appetizers and Starters
We began our culinary journey with an exquisite Oyster Tasting Trio:
- Mignonette: classic preparation that highlights the fresh, briny flavor of the oyster while adding a tangy and aromatic twist (preserved lemon and champagne mignonette sauce).
- Cream and Roe: Clean and refreshing, perfectly complemented by a horseradish cream and the indulgence of Tsar Nikolai smoked trout roe.
- Granita: A delightful pairing of raspberry and honey, offering a subtle sweetness that elevated the briny freshness of the oysters.
Next, we savored the Pommes Dauphine, golden potato puffs served with a rich and herbaceous dill mayo. Light, crispy, and bursting with flavor, they set a high bar for what was to come.
The Mackerel Crudo was a masterpiece of balance and complexity. Thinly sliced mackerel was paired with cucumber, radish, citrus, horseradish, pistachio, yuzu, and parsley oil. Each bite was a harmonious mix of textures and bright, fresh flavors.
The Dranik, a Belarusian-inspired potato pancake, came topped with smoked trout, avocado, cilantro crema, and crispy onions. The contrast between the rich, creamy toppings and the crispy pancake was delightful.
Main Course:
For our entrées, we were blown away by the depth of flavor and artistry of the dishes:
1. Wild Northern Halibut: Perfectly cooked, the halibut was paired with a duo of roasted and puréed cauliflowers, sweet baby broccoli, pearl onions, and a luscious miso hollandaise sauce. Every component on the plate was executed with precision and added to the dish's elegance.
2. Wild Mushroom and English Pea Tortelloni: Handmade pasta stuffed with earthy wild mushrooms and sweet English peas, topped with a dill rye bread crumble and chervil. This dish was the epitome of comfort and sophistication, with layers of flavor in every bite.
Dessert
To close out the meal, we indulged in their Cheesecake, a creamy delight that struck the perfect balance of richness and sweetness. As a special surprise, we were also treated to their Apple Cake, a beautifully presented dessert that truly showcased the kitchen's creativity and finesse.
Each dish at Lele Kitchen was a work of art, not only in flavor but in presentation. The immaculate plating was so impressive that we hesitated to dig in, marveling at the effort and skill that went into each creation. This level of attention to detail, combined with the thoughtful incorporation of local, seasonal ingredients, made the experience truly special.
From start to finish, this was a sumptuous dining experience. Whether you're a fan of Eastern European cuisine or simply appreciate culinary excellence, Lele Kitchen is a gem worth visiting. The warm hospitality and surprise touches--like the Apple Cake--made us feel right at home. We can't wait to return!