One of my
favorite
restaurants in
my hometown of
Seattle is
Palomino. To my
delight, I have
found Palomino
again here in
Los Angeles.
Yes, it is a
chain but in
this case,
that’s a very
good thing. I am
happy to say
that
Palomino
in Westwood is
just as good as
its Seattle
sister. Maybe
even better, but
I’m keeping that
on the down low-
I wouldn’t want
to dish on my
homey.
Not only is the
food fantastic
here, but the
décor is
beautifully
understated,
creating an
ambiance that is
warm, inviting,
and comfortable.
From the late
Martin Blank’s
hand blown glass
chandeliers, to
the silk covered
sconces, to the
earthy colors,
to the elegant
Spanish marble
and the soft
lighting you
just know you’re
in for a very
special night as
you enter
Palomino. The
menu, described
in delicious
detail, is not
only enticing,
but is also
moderately
priced. During
happy hour, 4pm
to 7pm, you can
try a sampling
of the
appetizers for
half price; if
you’re a night
owl or theatre
buff you can
waltz in for the
same deal from
10pm until
closing.
The menu is an
eclectic mix of
American cuisine
inspired by the
simple and
rustic dishes of
Europe, pleasing
even the most
discriminating
palate. The
presentation is
artfully done
and from the
first bite, will
not disappoint.
Try the Creamy
Portabella
Mushroom soup or
the Classic
Caesar Salad to
start; the soup
is full of
flavor and the
Caesar is
perfectly
dressed. If
you’re in the
mood for
seafood, share
the Brick Oven
Roasted Clams
with spicy
rosemary butter
and garlic
croutons. For
your entrée,
savor the Asaigo
crusted North
Atlantic Sea
Scallops with
caramelized
onions, roasted
red peppers,
asparagus, and
Champagne beurre
blanc. In the
mood for pasta?
Order the
Capellini
Pomodoro, al
dente and light
with extra
virgin olive
oil, plum
tomato, fresh
basil and
garlic, topped
with shaved
parmesan. The
Chicken Marsala,
with mushrooms
and pan jus
along with the
Petit Filet and
blue cheese will
win over the
hungriest in any
group, and is an
excellent choice
for those in
need of a little
comfort food.
The staff at
Palomino is
friendly and
helpful, always
there with a
suggestion, to
pour wine, and
generally make
sure your dining
experience is
relaxing and
fun. If asked,
they will pair
wine with your
meal,
complimenting
your food
choices
perfectly. My
favorite red,
the Toasted Head
Cabernet
Sauvignon, pairs
well with the
Petit Filet and
blue cheese, and
in my opinion,
is the perfect
companion. To
complete your
night, the Blood
Orange Sorbet is
an ideal finale
-light, tasty
and refreshing.
But the Crème
Brulée, paired
with a Sandman
Tawny Port is,
in one word,
heavenly. So
consider that
too.
Whether you stop
in just for
appetizers and a
cocktail, or
leisurely dine
in the lovely
main room, the
delicious and
varied menu here
will surely
satisfy. And
though I may be
satisfied, I for
one will be
going back for
seconds, because
once to Palomino
is just not
enough.
~ Robbie Troy
Where:
Palomino, 10877 Wilshire
Blvd., #150, Westwood
When:
Mon-Thurs 11:30am-12am; Fri 11:30am-1am; Sat
4pm-1am; Sun 4-10pm
Cost:
Lunch: $11 to $19; Dinner: $12 to $38
Info:
310.208.1960;
www.palomino.com; reservations accepted;
valet parking $6.00
