If you are looking for a romantic, date night out next weekend, try Blair's in Silverlake. Blair's is a destination spot, if you are coming from the Westside...it will take you 30-45 minutes to get there...but once you are there, relax and explore the Eastside.
My first tip is to bring your own wine. The wine list at Blair's is good and the prices are fair but with the no corkage fee, it is a great deal.
I've been to Blair's a handful of times now, and the best compliment for this restaurant is that the food is consistent and good. It is a neighborhood bistro with a great vibe. Blair's has three rooms, the first a bar with four high tables, the next two, more relaxed tables full of friends and couples on double dates. I love the yellowfin tuna tartare ($16)...it is placed on layers of avocado, crispy round wontons and cucumber. It is fresh and a nice way to start. Another starter to enjoy is the beet salad with orange, spinach, and goat and blue cheeses ($11).
The entrees include Colorado short ribs and rainbow trout. Entrees come with side veggies or you can order your protein a la carte and pick a few veggies to share with the table. The Colorado short ribs ($30) are delicious, sitting on sage polenta and bread crumb covered braised leeks. The jus sauce on the ribs is a savory beef or veal stock (can't decide, but I loved it) and the entire dish is balanced and brings out the flavors of a big red wine like a cab, syrah, merlot. For something lighter go for the rainbow trout ($23) served with pan seared cauliflower and carrot/ginger puree.
The real reason to go to Blair's is the truffle mac n' cheese ($11). Share it as a side dish or eat it yourself for an entree if you want something rich and indulgent. The mac n'cheese is made with square noodles (which are unusual and fun to eat) and baked with melted Gruyere cheese and truffle oil. The truffle comes through in the mac n' cheese and it's hard not to order seconds.
For dessert, the chocolate souffle cake is fantastic ($10), served with macadamia crusted vanilla ice cream and a caramelized banana. The cake is cooked through, which I appreciate because there is nothing I hate more than souffle cake that has not cooked in the center-I ordered cake, not chocolate sauce.
Go to Blair's in Silverlake this summer. For two, you can leave there for $100, tax and tip included. It is kind of how Porta Via in Beverly Hills was when it first opened...small, reasonably priced, good food, and full of neighborhood locals.
If you stay on the Eastside after dinner, check out Barbrix on Hyperion for a glass of wine or get a drink at Edendale Grill on Rowena (an old Fire station). There is a lot to do in Silverlake and the surrounding area...if you want some other suggestions, let me know.
Blair's Restaurant
2903 Rowena Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90039
Neighborhood: Silver Lake
(323) 660-1882
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