Restaurant: Artisan House
Location: 600 S. Main St. (Downtown)
Type of restaurant: Mediterranean
We stipulated: Before heading to the Los Angeles Theatre for the Last Remaining Seats presentation of "Paper Moon," we wanted to eat. But it had to be fast, and close by. We hit Coles right before 7, but they wouldn't serve us their happy hour menu. So we decided to try a new spot instead, and Artisan House looked intriguing (despite its bad Yelp reviews).
They stipulated: "The roof of the historic Pacific Electric Building at the corner of 6th and Main in downtown Los Angeles is about as urban as urban gets, and yet this space is home to a splendid rooftop garden that will supply Artisan House with a steady stream of the freshest, most delicious homegrown herbs and vegetables available."
What we ordered: Sicilian Spicy Tuna Tartare (Pilacca, Pistachios, Basil, Quail Egg, Balsamic, Garlic Crostini), $9; Tartufo Bianco flatbread (Roast Garlic, Alba Funghi, House Ricotta, Fontina, Tallegio, Winter Truffles, Crispy Kale), $13; Grilled Broccolini, $7
High point: The service was attentive -- we told them we were on a time restraint, and they made sure our food came promptly, and we were out of there at a decent time.
Overall impression: Much better than I was expecting. Reasonable prices for the dishes to share, an interesting cocktail menu, good crust on the flatbread and decent service.
Chance we'll go back: It's another good use of a large space in one of downtown's old buildings. Not as cozy as Pete's but not as loud as Bottega Louie. It's a bustling corner, and I wouldn't mind returning.
