KASS WINE BAR + RESTAURANT
MICHELIN STARRED CHEF CHRISTOPHE EME DELIGHTS

The revitalization of La Brea Avenue has been exciting to watch over the last decade as the busy city street once known as the place to buy antique furniture and rugs has morphed into a hub for quality sushi, fine dining and all things brunch. Now Michelin starred and world-renowned Chef Christophe Émé has set up shop at Third and La Brea with his KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant—a  chic and welcoming wine bar and restaurant that offers a sophisticated yet approachble French dinner menu.

With its elongated bar and comfy-cozy 40-seat dining room, KASS offers a setting void of pretention where guests can enjoy fine French fare along with sophisticated wines. It’s the “it” place on La Brea to relax and indulge.

In Los Angeles, Chef Christophe is revered for his days at L’Orangerie where he challenged perceptions and French cooking technique by renouncing cream and butter sauces in favor of complex layered emulsions and natural jus.

Praised by Food & Wine magazine as one of the “10 Best New Chefs” in 2005, a highly vaulted Michelin star soon followed in 2007. With the opening of KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant, the respected chef now offers a concise, yet approachable menu.
 
During our recent visit for dinner, we thoroughly enjoyed watching Chef take center stage from his open kitchen perch. It was the spotlight on the rock star in a kitchen setting. The dining menu changes depending on Chef’s mood and the fresh ingredients available.

 Our dining experience began with the Homemade Lobster Ravioli presented with olives and basil. The presentation was lovely and the taste even better.

Next we thoroughly enjoyed a Beet Salad with black lentils and aged comté cheese. The earthy presentation was brilliant—as was the crisp freshness of the dish.

As we moved from champagne to white wine, The Tuna Sashimi with Arima sansho infusion was an absolute delight. Every bite was fresh and clean and delectable.

Our entrees were a dynamic duo of Roasted Turbot Risotto with black truffle and chicken jus—excellent—and the Braised Beef Cheek with polenta swimming in the most amazing basquaise sauce. Both dishes were first rate. And by the time we dined on the beef cheek, a fabulous red wine was paired with the bold dish.

Dessert was the silky Chocolate Tart accompanied by a divine chocolate sorbet. It was decadently delicious.

Chef Christophe and KASS are most welcome guests to the neighborhood—of which I am a resident—as KASS offers a stylish space where guests can escape to one of three experiences: at the wine bar where cheese, charcuterie and oysters are the perfect accompaniment to wine offerings and spirited conversation; the dining room, which offers an intimate setting to enjoy dinner; or the outdoor patio where  cozy woven rattan nest chairs and low tables is just right to indulge and enjoy  a bottle of wine.

“I want guests to come in for the atmosphere as much for the wine and the food,” says Chef Christophe.

KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant is located at 320 South La Brea Avenue. Open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Call 323-413-2299.

Story By; Jose Martinez

Photography Courtesy Of: KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant