As summer reaches its peak, Los Angeles restaurants are showcasing vibrant dishes that celebrate the season’s freshest ingredients. The Eater LA editorial team has sampled some standout dishes, each highlighting unique flavors and creativity.
One dish that has truly captured attention is the corn congee from Firstborn in Chinatown. This restaurant is currently celebrating summer produce with a menu that includes juicy tomatoes, nectarines, and peaches. During a recent visit, a variety of summer-inspired dishes were chosen, with the corn congee being a highlight. The congee, enriched with tender bits of pork belly, showcases the sweet, fresh corn kernels as a star ingredient.
Other plates like heirloom tomatoes paired with nectarines and jasmine, or steamed eggs topped with tomato and nori, further demonstrate Chef Wang’s dedication to elevating seasonal produce. Even days after the meal, the thought of having a pot of that corn congee at home lingers in the mind.
For an unforgettable dining experience, sitting at the bar offers a front-row seat to bar manager Kenzo Han’s craft, turning dinner into a vibrant event. After enjoying the fantastic offerings at Firstborn, it’s recommended to venture over to Steep or Cafe Triste nearby for post-dinner drinks.
In the cozy ambiance of Wife and the Somm located in Glassell Park, the peach salad shines as another must-try summer dish. This charming nook features a delightful patio adorned with grapevines, perfect for an intimate gathering with friends. The peach salad, created by Chef Frank Saporito, combines juicy yellow and white peaches sourced from Juicy Fruit Orchard with layers of mascarpone cheese, honey powder, fresh mint, and a refreshing agave lime vinaigrette. As temperatures soar to 90 degrees, this dish is a refreshing escape, especially when paired with one of the many bubbly choices available at the restaurant.
Marathon Burger, opened by the team behind the late Nipsey Hussle’s estate, has become a sensation since its debut. The Venice Beach location of this burger stand offers an array of items, including wagyu smash burgers and vegan portobello mushroom patties. However, it’s the lemon-pepper buffalo wings that surprise and delight diners. Coated in a tangy buffalo sauce and generously sprinkled with lemon-pepper seasoning, these wings excite the palate, with their perfect balance of buttery, vinegary, and peppery flavors, making dipping in ranch unnecessary.
For those attending events at the Hollywood Bowl, the Backyard restaurant offers a unique outdoor dining experience. Managed by Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne, the Backyard provides an airy ambiance that allows diners to enjoy the warm-up sounds of the orchestra in the background. Among the summer menu treasures is the spicy beer-steamed shrimp, delivering a flavorful take on shrimp cocktail with juicy shrimp seasoned with spices and served with tangy cocktail sauce. This appetizer sets the perfect tone for an enchanting evening under the stars.
Not to be overlooked, Bake & Chè in Rosemead is a celebration of dessert, particularly with their house special chè. With the opening of a new location in the San Gabriel Valley, it has become easier to access this coconut milk-based delight. The house special chè features an array of ingredients, including custardy purple potato, durian, pandan jelly, red and yellow beans, and ruby red-hued water chestnuts. Each spoonful presents a new flavor experience, making it an adventurous treat perfect for hot summer days.
In summary, this week’s highlights from Eater LA showcase the delectable summer offerings at various restaurants throughout Los Angeles. From Firstborn’s corn congee to the refreshing peach salad at Wife and the Somm, each dish reflects the creativity and seasonal bounty of dining in this vibrant city.
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