May 16, 2008

Food for Thought

Palate Food & Wine Opens

Butter yellow walls. Burgundy banquettes.

Is new Palate Food & Wine trying to tell you something?

Like you need any extra encouragement to eat house-churned butter or drink fine European wines.

Opening tonight, chef/owner Octavio Becerra’s urban-rustic restaurant has a farmers market- and artisanal producer-driven Mediterranean menu and a smart collection of wines (not to mention selection of classic cocktails) to go with it.

Sit at the curvy, zinc-topped bar or communal table and snack on cheese, charcuterie, and house-pickled fennel and baby carrots. Settle in the dining room for salads of peas, sugar snaps, tendrils, and sauce Romanesco or red cress, pancetta reggiano, apples, and Banyuls vinaigrette, as well as plates like skirt steak mignon, buttermilk chicken breast, or ceci de moro jambon y pain rustique.

Soon, cruise through the back, past the walk-in cheese room and library, and into the retail shop with its own wine bar, simple food, and outdoor patio.

The message is loud and clear.

Palate Food & Wine, 933 South Brand Boulevard, Glendale (818-662-9463 or palatefoodwine.com).