Vouching for Verlaine…food, ambiance and service.
Entering the enticing garden courtyard at West Hollywood’s Verlaine, you feel at peace with the pervasive tranquility emanating from the casual hideaway which for 67 years was the iconic, Dominick’s.
The retractable roof patio is attractively bedecked in black and white.
The small, intimate outdoor bar beckons.
Arsen, Verlaine’s knowledgeable and personable bartender, is there to attend to all your intoxicating beverage desires.
I was seduced by the Verlaine Martini made with Monopalowa vodka, olive water and fig leaf ($15).
The bar time banter was addictive, but all too soon we needed to depart for our much sought after patio table.
We got the party started with a Half Dozen Oysters which were plump and briny (6 for $18).
We followed the oysters with Fish Ceviche ($14). We topped the cool, fresh ceviche with Uni which magically transformed the dish from delicious to outrageous (uni add $7).
The ceviche was served with dipping sauces and a side of crispy, warm tosadas.
David opted for the Sardine Taco which he really enjoyed ($9).
Octopus Taco is also offered.
He has gained great acclaim for his restaurant Corazon de Tierra in the Valle de Guadalupe in California’s Baja peninsula.
Corazon de Tierra is rated at No. 39 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants of Latin America.
Verlaine is a partnership between Hernandez and Select Hospitality and Design, the team behind Hinterland in Santa Monica.
We checked out Wild Beast, Verlaine’s newly opened indoor cocktail lounge.
The inspiration for the Wild Beast interior was the early 1900’s Parisienne Fauvism movement.
The ‘wild beasts’ were a collective of artists who defined the art of their time.
The room is a mix of deco, Bauhaus and mid-century design.
Wild Beast serves classic seasonally crafted cocktails and light bites.
Mixologist John Neumueller leads the spirits programs.
Previously, John, who personally mixed a magical Seelbach with bourbon, bitters, bubbly and cointreau ($15) for me, was most recently at the highly regarded Tasting Kitchen and Scopa Italian Roots.
Verlaine provided a lovely evening, embraced by a warm, gracious staff and delectable food.
Enjoy a vivacious, vivid dining experience at Verlaine.
Verlaine 8715 Beverly Boulevard West Hollywood, California. Open Sunday-Thursday 6-11pm, Friday and Saturday 6pm-2am. Reservations on OpenTable.com. Valet and metered street parking.
Wild Beast is open Wednesday to Sunday, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
