Where: Los Angeles
What: Food PlaceList
Who: A trailblazer in the nose-to-tail movement, Chef Chris Cosentino is a huge believer in wasting nothing. When he won Season Four of Bravo’s Top Chef Masters in 2012, he credited his signature offal cuts, declaring, “Guts prevail!” These days you’ll find him in the kitchen at San Francisco’s Cockscomb focusing on the culinary heritage of the city by the bay (wood-fired pigs heads included) or the soon-to-be Acacia House at Las Alcobas Napa Valley. But he does love to head south to hit up his favorite LA foodfare and participate in fun events like last week's All-Star Chef Classic. When in LA, he doesn’t waste a single moment on a mediocre meal. Here’s where you’ll find the meat master feasting in Los Angeles.
Top Chef Chris Cosentino
Pork belly from Cockscomb, SF
Rustic Canyon
Santa Monica, $$$
Chris Cosentino: When Jeremy cooks, it has a focus and direction that I just can't compare to anyone else. His love of vegetables and the creative direction he takes with them is so refreshing and delicious.
Ink.
Beverly Grove, $$$$
CC: It's hard for me to pick just one thing at ink. Michael's food has evolved into a perfect blend of classic and modern techniques, all packed with such incredible flavors that make you rethink what is possible. Michael is a true master of his craft and his new dry-aged meats don't take away from his creative approach. He’s just adding more paint to his palette.
The Cannibal LA
Culver City, $$
CC: The unabashed love of meat and beer at this amazing new addition to LA is a true winner. I love the cycling theme and extensive beer selection. The best part is that you can stop in for a quick grab-and-go or sit down to the most amazing meal of chef Francis' delicious take on sausages and roasted meats. The happy hour is also a perfect way to try a number of new beers from the flux capacitor while tasting their great cured meats.
Jon & Vinny's
Fairfax, $$
CC: I love that this makes me feel right at home in LA – the dishes are very reminiscent of my childhood in Rhode Island with the classic italian-American style and comfort. When pasta is extruded right on property, I’m never disappointed. And I must have those meatballs.
Lukshon
Culver City, $$$
CC: Lukshon is chef Sang Yoon's fantastic OCD interpretation of Southeast Asian food. The way he plays with flavors and balances acid, herbs, and umami — I’m always surprised with something new. One of the best things is the remarkable efficiency of the kitchen and all the details Sang has put in to make it such a visually wonderful experience.
Petit Trois
Hollywood, $$$
CC: Every time I go to LA, I must stop at Petit Trois. It's a perfect balance of classic French with Ludo flair. It's a tiny space with the best escargot, and the leeks vinaigrette make me wish there was one of those in SF. I can sit at the counter and eat the entire menu, one dish at a time, loving every bite. The whole sole is so delicious, I still dream of it.
Totoraku
Cheviot Hills, $$$$
CC: This restaurant is a very special spot! Invitation only, this hidden gem is a must. Find a regular who is willing to bring you and you will be treated to the most amazing all-beef meal. Be sure to bring some great wine and share it with chef, he will greatly appreciate it.
Alimento
Silver Lake, $$$
CC: For my Italian food needs, I can't get enough of Zach Pollack's cooking. Every time I go, I start with the Grüner on draft, and if he's lucky my group will crush the keg. The food keeps flowing with so much love and care, all shareable and delicious. Finishing with his giant crudité Bagna Cauda is always a must.
Rustic Canyon. Image courtesy of @chefjeremyfox
Ink. Image courtesy of @mvinkla
Image courtesy of The Cannibal LA
Jon & Vinny's. Image courtesy of @notwithoutcoffee
Image courtesy of Lukshon
Petit Trois. Image courtesy of @lvfloralevents
Totoraku. Image courtesy of @eat_drink_repeat_
Image courtesy of Alimento
Header image courtesy of Petit Trois
