BARLO DEBUTS AT VENICE’S HOTEL ERWIN

Venice Beach’s Hotel Erwin recently opened its new street-level restaurant, Barlo. Described as the funky Venice boutique hotel’s “Yin” to its popular High Rooftop Lounge’s “Yang”, the intimate eatery is just steps from the famed boardwalk in the heart of arty Venice.

Barlo serves breakfast, brunch and dinner from its creative and ever-rotating menu. With its “barn to belly” dishes curated by Executive Chef Jason Wiggin, Barlo’s menu focuses on simplicity and fresh farmer’s market ingredients in a cozy setting. The venue’s patio also doubles as a “locals’ living room” and the restaurant includes a communal table, graffiti artwork and an overall “industrial farm” aesthetic.

“We wanted to provide a place for hotels guests and locals to come together for locally produced food, beer and wine, and innovative seasonal drinks,” explains hotel General Manager Benjamin Malmquist. “When the fun ends at High, people can continue the party at Barlo. Alternatively, guests can enjoy dinner at Barlo and then head to High for post-meal cocktails.”

Barlo’s “unpretentious fine-dining” menu, as Wiggin likes to refer to it as, features share-friendly items such as Fried Green Tomatoes, Seared Black Cod, and Bacon Carmel Corn. And the Barlo Burger (Drake Family Farm herbed chevre, tomato marmalade, bacon caramel and arugula) is a proven winner!

If you’re in the mood for some tasty Libations (all priced at $10), the Porch Swing made with Hendricks Gins, gooseberry preserves, watermelon juice and lemon does the trick. As does The Pitchfork, made with strawberry and pepper infused vodka, limejuice, and apple juice, as well as our favorite cocktail, the “DisapPear” made with Tito’s Vodka, Clear Creek Pear Brandy, and house made sour syrup.

During our recent visit, the laid-back attitude was a little too much to deal with, unless you like attitude and rude service thrown your way. As good as the food was, the lack of decent service and the holier-than-thou vibe was too much to handle. You’re better off riding the elevator to the roof to chill and take in the amazing view at High Rooftop Lounge, which just launched a grill menu featuring micro-burgers with duck confit, creative hot dogs, and “sushi nachos.” Hopefully the ‘tude at Barlo gets straightened out or Hotel Erwin will be celebrating the launch of another bistro in a few months.

Barlo is located in the Hotel Erwin at 1697 Pacific Ave in Venice Beach. Hours: Breakfast - Mon - Fri: 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.; Sat & Sun: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m; Dinner Sun - Thurs: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.; Fri & Sat: 5 p.m. – 12 a.m. Call 424-214-1063.