Love Life, Hate Kittens

[LA Times Pic. Don’t ask. I have no idea what’s up with the kids.]

I like all my crap in one place. I grew up in Torrance, home of the white trash plazas, you can eat, buy liquor, get gas, watch a movie, do laundry, get a boost mobile, AND bail someone out all in the same plaza.

So as my tastes changed and I started moving on up (kinda) to the westside and midcity, I was pissed off at these restaurants and stores that required driving and parking. WTF.

So imagine my anticipation when Westside Tavern opened, please please please lord let this place be good. I can shop, watch a movie, and have a classy dinner without ever moving my car. Please make it happen.

And God answered. Westside Tavern was affordable, friendly, classy and delicious all rolled in one.

Our server was great. Extremely non-intrusive but was still there at the key moments (beginning of the meal, when the food came, refilled our drinks, check time, etc) It’s how service SHOULD be.

Since i was a bit short on time (only an hour till Harry Potter), I didn’t get any of the appetizers and instead opted for the roasted corn soup. Piping hot with a hint of sweetness and cracked black pepper. Perfect.

Now I’m normally not a fan of pre-sliced steak. There’s something so satisfying about cutting into a steak and watching the blood soak out. Mmmm. But after Westside Tavern, I just might be a convert. The flat iron was cooked perfectly medium rare (closer to the raw side i might add). It was flavored nicely and went with its accompanying bernaise sauce.

It’s commendable. We were in and out in less than 40 minutes with plenty of time to settle in for Harry Potter 6.

Westside Tavern is a great addition to my one stop Pavilion. Now if they could only attach a K-Mart.