Love Life, Hate Kittens

[Duck Sliders - tastes better than it looks. Pic from Sook W.]

Newest creation from Mark Peel of Campanile fame.

Shiny. Pretty. Frivolous. I love the decor. I love pretty chairs. A bit gothic, a bit Victorian or in order words, a bit Anna Sui.

Note: Do not come here without a reservation on the weekends. Thought we’d come here on a whim last Saturday (Friday?) and it was an hour wait at 10PM.

Note #2: Their kitchen closes at 12AM for you classy nightbirds.

The booths are really cozy. While I would never come here for a full meal (the food isn’t that good), the ambiance and mood makes it the perfect place for afterwork drinks, happy hour with friends, or an adulterous affair. Though if you’re having an affair, going to a high profile restaurant probably isn’t your best bet.

The food is split between bar bites and dinner. I’d give the food 2 stars overall. There were some (one) highlights and the rest were pretty average. In fact, it reminded me of hotel food or museum restaurants. Fancy but no dice.

Food:

Duck sliders - tasty. if you’re familiar with chinese pulled pork, this is what it tastes like but with duck. The bun was slightly toasted and gave a nice crunch.

Clams Casino - Fail. Overcooked clams with a small slice of bacon. Something you’d bring to a ‘my first potluck’ party.

Oysters - n/a. It’s oysters. The only thing I can comment is that they weren’t too plump.

Lobster and Scallop Newberg - Easily the best dish of the night! Healthy chunks of lobster, light sauce, perfect for bread dipping. Loved the mushrooms and carrots.

Fries - The fries were OK but the dipping sauce is what sets it over the top. Tasted like truffled mayo. Mmmmm. mayo.

Tuna Tartare - Served with cucumber. They should consider taro chips. Flavors were OK. Nothing exciting. A bit bland.

Mussels - These were OK. It’s not Tasca, it’s not Nook, it’s not even Father’s Office.

If you’re into places like Copa D’Oro and the Varnish, they boast a really nice drink menu. We tried a couple such as the Dark + Stormy, Gin Gin Mule, and Agave Bravo. All were good but I’m not a big cocktail girl so while tasty, I don’t really get wet over it.

Last note: All bottles of wine are $38 which is a good/bad thing depending on how much you know wine.

I’d come back. Only cuz I’m pretty plastic myself.

The Tar Pit

609 N La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
www.tarpitbar.com