Franklin Avenue

Rate-A-Restaurant, #23 in a series

Restaurant: Vert

Location: Hollywood and Highland complex, 4th floor (6801 Hollywood Blvd, Suite 411)

Type of restaurant: French/Italian

They stipulated: That you walk through the semi-depressing Hollywood and Highland complex to get to the restaurant. Vert was actually in a perfect location for us, since we were planning on seeing a movie at the Chinese 6 Theater afterward. And thanks to the live "Vox Lumiere" show that's performed at night in the Hollywood and Highland courtyard, the center was at least filled with people -- a rare sight at the failed center. But it's still depressing to walk through and realize the developers squandered what could have been a true Hollywood gathering place.

What we ordered: Fritto Misto with Garlic Aioli (appetizer); Sauteed Sole Grenobloise with Potato Puree (Maria); Grilled Tuna with Basil Potatoes, Marinated Tomotes and Arugula (Mike)

High point: The Fritto Misto was a mix of seafood and veggies battered in tempura -- you truly can't go wrong there. The other entrees were actually quite well done as well. The vibe was good -- like the green decor; you truly forget you're at the Hollywood and Highland center.
Plus, they took our KCRW card. Without any grief. That's rare in itself. (15 percent off, excluding beverages.)

Low point: We lost our waiter for a little while. That's a problem when you're on a schedule -- our movie was waiting, and we wanted to get some coffee before we went inside (a movie after 10 p.m.? Believe it or not, neither of us fell asleep!)

Overall impression: A nice oasis inside the Hollywood and Highland... you can appreciate that Wolfgang Puck is taking a chance by opening a fine restaurant in Hollywood. I remember not too long ago when your only option in that neighborhood was Hamburger Hamlet. Bleech.

Chance we will go back: Vert's a nice "dinner and a movie" place. So I'm sure we will... although I don't know if I can stomach paying Mann Theaters $10 for a movie again, so that part of the equation may be out.