Lee M.
Yelp
We go to the Pantages theater fairly regularly during the course of the season. It's one of those great date spots, when you get to see some really incredible entertainment.
One of our favorite things about going to the theater is grabbing a meal at one of the many restaurants in and around that area. There are so many fast food/fast casual restaurants in the area that appeal to tourists that it takes that extra minute of research to find the places that real foodies go. Our most recent find was Beauty & Essex, which turned out to be an amazing find.
This time, because we were seeing a matinee and wanted to eat lunch before instead of grabbing dinner after, we opted to try Running Goose, a little bistro tucked away on Cahuenga, In the middle of a happening bar scene, which on Sunday was location of every football game on television. But that didn't change the ambience inside. It was quiet and serene. It really felt like nobody else was watching.
The service was incredible. We never felt like we were rushed, we always felt like we were served, we never needed to ask for refills, or for anything else. The owners were very polite and answered all of our questions, even delivering several pointed and on target recommendations. It's always nice when your server is so familiar with the menu that simply telling them what you like will elicit multiple good recommendations. And that's what we received.
At such a low price point, it felt like a crime if we didn't each get a tostada as an appetizer. For $4, you get an absolutely delicious and refreshing couple of bites. I ordered the corn tostada; burnt corn aioli, whole kernel burnt corn, lime, basil and parsley. The flavors really blended nicely, so tasty. My wife ordered the radish tostada; thin sliced radish over rosemary crema, lime and EVOO. She demurely inhaled it. Both were perfect starts.
For mains, we both had real issues with making a choice. The menu had literally a dozen items that would have been satisfying (word choice intended, we were headed to Hamilton). I settled on the Gringo Burger, an amalgam of interesting ingredients that built nicely to a great combination. Mid rare angus half pound patty with a Roquefort fondue (thus the "french inspired"), bacon, balsamic onions, garlic aioli, arugula on a brioche bun, with fries. One of the best burgers I've had in a very long time. It really reminded me of the value of a properly cooked burger. Those ingredients NEEDED medium rare.
My wife had the vegan vindaloo. She's a freak for good Indian cuisine and this really blew her away. The dish was a flavor bomb of tofu crema (vegan) trio beans, corn, cauliflower, kale, peas, and an amazing turmeric and garam masala pesto, served with grilled bread. She loved it so much that she actually brought it home...we kept the car at a cool enough temperature so it would stay. She happily has lunch today.
This was a magnificent meal and I highly recommend going...as a pre/post theater meal...or any time. You'll love it.