Happy 2016!  This year for dineLA week, I returned to TART Restaurant for their special menu with beer pairings.  After their fantastic Thanksgiving meal, I was super excited to try out their debut dineLA menu and it did not disappoint!  In addition to the awesome comfort food, each course was paired with a beer, so I brought Beerface McGillicutty along for some thoughts.  🙂

Let’s get to it!

The menu consists of two appetizers, an entree, a dessert, and beer pairings with each of the four courses for just $39!  Best of all, we enjoyed every dish and each pairing was absolutely spot on.

When the first appetizer came out stacked high, I was sure that I wouldn’t be able to finish them… but I did!  They were much lighter and crispier than I expected, with a hint of sweetness.  Delicious!

Beerface’s notes: Blazing World from Modern Times is a pale, slightly citrusy beer that pairs well with light foods and bar snacks.

I simply adored this salad!  Even though I often find arugula slightly too bitter for my palate, these greens were perfectly dressed with the apple cider vinaigrette and complemented by the sweet apples, candied walnuts, and oatmeal crisp.  I could practically drink the tangy blue cheese yogurt on the side!  Even Beerface, who is not a salad person, ate every bit and gave his stamp of approval.  🙂

Beerface’s notes: Sour but still crisp in flavor.  Slight hints of pear on the finish and a great choice for the salad we enjoyed.

You know how you crave chicken soup when the weather turns cold?  Well, this is exactly what I imagine… but 100 times better!  It is hearty, warming, and flavorful and even more comforting with the addition of the black truffle dumplings.  If I had the power to grant smell-o-vision to one of these pictures, this would be the one.  So aromatic and heavenly, it was one of my favorites of the night!

Beerface’s notes: Jardinier from The Bruery is a slightly hoppy, citrusy beer with Belgian influences.  Pairs well with a variety of foods and with both entrees served.

When this dish was placed in front of me, I literally ooh-ed and aah-ed.  🙂  It’s SUCH a gorgeous presentation!  The fish was succulent and perfectly seared, and topped with a horseradish butter with a bit of a kick.  The rest of the dish was comprised of oh, just some of the most flavorful vegetables I’ve ever eaten.  Yes, ever.  The creamed mushrooms were practically addicting!

When Chef Keith Shutta told us that the Pain Perdu would be similar to our Thanksgiving dessert, we had absolutely no complaints!  In fact, I was secretly hoping that we’d have a second taste.  🙂  The pain perdu is warm, custardy, and fluffy, and studded with sweet fruit.  Topped with ice cream, it’s the perfect sweet ending to a wonderful meal!

Beerface’s notes: Anderson Valley’s Wild Turkey Bourbon Barrel Stout is full of deep and roasted flavors.  The presence of oak bourbon barrels was easily apparent.  Paired nicely with the dessert but can also go with red meats.

And that’s it!  The entire menu was amazing, and I absolutely recommend that you stop in for their special dineLA menu before it’s gone!  You can’t go wrong with multiple courses of delicious food and beer, right?

By the way, The Episodic Eater is new on Snapchat!  Screenshot the pic above and make sure to follow me at @episodiceater for more new food adventures!

Tart Restaurant
115 S Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
www.tartrestaurant.com
(323) 556-2608