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Vermont Restaurant Review

Posted on 01. Sep, 2008 by Administrator in Lifestyle

words by Ally Jones

Coming up on their 10-year anniversary, Vermont Restaurant and Bar in Los Feliz has reason to celebrate. And so do the many guests who have made it their home away from home over the years. If you don’t know this neighborhood haunt, do yourself a huge favor and head over there as soon as possible. I’m not kidding, this is one of the best dining experiences Los Angeles has to offer! The owners Michael Gelzhiser and Manuel Mesta are an integral part of the magic that takes place here; they have made it a welcoming haven to unwind and celebrate life’s more special moments – and as Michael puts it, “We feed not only the appetite here but the soul.” Set in the beloved old Sarno Bakery building on Vermont Avenue in the hub of Los Feliz, Vermont has become a cornerstone of the area. The adjacent bar area has become a popular late night spot and the patio in front offers great people watching throughout the day and into the evening. You can also look forward to their new outdoor lounge area (and from the sounds of it vast) which will include dining, music, and dancing. (Coming soon!)

Okay onto the food: The best thing I can say about the food came from one of the customers who wrote Michael a moving letter; knowing he was close to death he chose Vermont to be one of his last meals. Now, I know that might sound maudlin and depressing and all, but I have to say, if I could choose a last meal, this would be it. You might remember Chef Laurent Quenioux from Bistro K. He’s truly amazing and I promise you I never utter the word sublime, but his cooking is just that. My personal stand out list includes: the fried calamari with a slightly spicy roasted pepper aioli, the hand cut ahi tuna, the monkfish, the braised lamb shank, the braised duck, and the double cut saltimbocca-style pork chop. And for desert, the chocolate chip bread pudding was my personal favorite, but I have to say the crunchy chocolate fondant looked very tempting. Did I mention that as you bask in the canopy of light that is Vermont, you won’t be afraid when you get the bill? Have you headed over there yet? Vermont: 1714 Vermont Avenue (323) 661-6163 www.vermontrestaurantonline.com

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Tags: Restaurant Review, Vermont Restaurant