Two words - Pig
Candy. What is
it? It’s sweet,
spicy and bad
for you, so you
know you want
it. It’s pork
with a twist, a
rather unique
appetizer to say
the least and
it’s one of the
signature dishes
at Lou,
a cozy Hollywood
wine bar.
Come on in and
you’ll find Lou,
the owner, there
most nights
behind the bar
tempting local
Angelinos with
his
ever-changing
Eurocentric wine
list. The
restaurant
boasts that
they’re obsessed
with natural
winegrowing,
indigenous grape
varieties, and
wines produced
by old vines.
Most nights,
you’ll find an
average of
twenty-five
wines by the
glass, so taste
a few and maybe
you’ll find a
new favorite.
Cheese is a
natural in wine
pairing and
ordering the
Charcuterie
cheese plank
will be a sure
hit. The cheese
list, like the
wine list,
changes weekly
with a variety
of domestic
artisanal and
farmstead
cheeses.
Once a glass of
something is in
front of you be
sure to check
out the many
options from the
select, seasonal
menu which
changes often to
take advantage
of the best the
local farmers
market has to
offer. All the
produce is
organic and the
meat served is
raised sans
antibiotics or
hormones; the
fish is wild,
never farmed.
Consider trying
the buttery
green
Castelvetrano
olives from
Siciliy and
candied almonds
or figs roasted
with Rogue Smoky
Blue, vincotto,
& nuts to start.
Once your
appetite is
whetted, choose
from the weekly
entrées’ to
share with
friends or savor
for yourself.
There is sure to
be something to
fit your mood
and your
appetite.
Perhaps the
savory tart
filled with
chanterelle
mushrooms, goat
cheese and
ricotta or the
classic mac &
cheese, which is
always tasty and
comforting. End
with the ginger
English stout
cake, or the
peach crumble
and your
satisfaction is
guaranteed.
Lou is located
in a strip mall
one block north
of Melrose, is
easy to miss and
not much to look
at on the
outside. But
whoever said,
it’s what’s on
the inside that
counts, is right
on the money
here. They’ve
made the most
out of a small
space using warm
red colors, with
black accents
along with a
huge chalkboard
adorned with
colorful
drawings and
menu specials.
It’s a cool kind
of funky with
romantic
lighting, making
the atmosphere
cozy, warm, and
friendly. The
place tends to
fill up quickly
with lots of
neighborhood
regulars, hey,
everyone wants
their pig candy,
so come early
and avoid the
rush. But even
if you do end up
waiting, dining
at Lou will
definitely be
worth it.
~ Robbie Troy
Where:
Lou, 724 Vine Street,
Hollywood
When:
Monday thru Saturday 6pm-12am
Cost:
Appetizers $5 to $10; tapas plates & supper
$10 to $19; Monday night suppers $55 for 3
courses and 5 wines.
Info:
www.louonvine.com; 323.962.6369;
reservations for 6 or more, no reservations
on Friday and Saturday.
