Rate-A-Restaurant #376: Succulent Cafe (Solvang)

Restaurant: Succulent Cafe

Location: 1555 Mission Dr. (Solvang)

Type of restaurant: American



We stipulated: We needed a dog-friendly restaurant with a patio, and a place near the hotel we were staying at. Succulent provided both, and looked like an interesting menu to boot



They stipulated: "Succulent Cafe Wine Charcuterie serves up comfort cuisine with a twist while sourcing local, seasonal ingredients from neighborhood farmers & fisherman to ensure the freshest quality whenever possible. We believe in delicious food served in ample portions that compliment our wonderful local wines and craft beers. Succulent also offers a variety of signature cocktails. Our small cafe is family owned and operated with a focus on the community needs and wants. We strive to go back to the traditions of homemade biscuits & gravy, jams & jellies, hearty meals, and desserts."



What we ordered: Mike: Slow Roasted Pulled Pork: house bbq sauce, mustard slaw, baby arugula, brioche bun ($14); Maria: Fried Chicken & Gravy Biscuit: buttermilk fried chicken, bacon, aged cheddar, & gravy ($12); Kids: Grilled cheese and chicken strips.



High point:  Great house BBQ sauce and slaw; love the "pups on the patio" menu for dogs.

Low point:  Because we had to sit outside, it was cold, and there were no heat lamps.



Overall impression: We were disappointed that Succulent wasn't open on Tuesday (there was no signage explaining that it was; we had to figure it out on our own) -- but overall a great menu (for adults -- the kids' menu wasn't as inspired), and Maria loved that they served breakfast most of the day.



Will we return: If we're back in Solvang.

Rate-A-Restaurant #365: Little Beast (Eagle Rock)

Restaurant: Little Beast

Location: 1496 Colorado Boulevard (Eagle Rock)

Type of restaurant: American (new)



We stipulated: My parents were in town and taking the boys out for dinner, which meant an opportunity for Maria and me to have a mini date night. We chose the close-by Little Beast to finally check out.

They stipulated: "The Little Beast Restaurant is the realization of years of culinary training, family dreams and determination by husband and wife team Deborah Schwartz-Lowenthal and Chef Sean Lowenthal. Little Beast came to be because of our desire to have a restaurant on the East Side that rivals the great “foodie” spots in an intimate and inviting space that so easily populates Silverlake and the West Side. Offering a menu of progressive American comfort food, Chef Lowenthal's menus speak to the seasons, the availability of pristine, local produce and to the talents of his team. We strive to be the best dining experience to hit the East Side of LA."



What we ordered: California Sea Bass Crudo (blood orange, frisée, cucumber, radish, yuzu vinaigrette, crispy wonton) $14; Farro & Baby Kale Salad (pomegranate, roasted eggplant, fresno, serrano, cucumber, macadamia nuts, spicy scallion vinaigrette) $11; Blistered Shishito Peppers & Roasted Sunchoke (sweet chili ginger glaze, tamari, almond aioli, crispy spinach) $10; Crispy Octopus (red cabbage & kimchi, spicy aioli, corn tortilla) $10; Meyer Lemon Semifreddo (kumquat, rosemary thyme tuile) $9





High point:  We loved the idea of ordering several small plates rather than just two entrees. It gave us a chance to try a variety of items -- and still be meat-free, since it was a Friday during Lent.
Low point:  There was a surprising lack of kale in the Kale and Ferro salad.



Overall impression: Because it was a crowded Friday evening, we were asked to sit at a communal table. I'm not often a fan of such tables, as it cuts into your privacy... but the couples on both sides of us stuck to their own conversations, while we also had a nice chat with the couple sitting to one side.



Will we return: Absolutely. A nice mix of food, good vibe, decent wine too.