With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
The Hart and The Hunter: Swoon-Worthy Shots From the Southern Comfort Restaurant
Diehard food fanatics might recognize chefs Brian Dunsmoor and Kris Tominaga from their recently-successful Wolf in Sheep's Clothing pop-up. The dynamic duo also worked together at Joe's back when it was recognized by the folks over at the Michelin guide, and their combined experience eventually leading to the opening of The Hart and The Hunter at Palihotel, the current object of our affection, nay, obsession. (Note: They are emphatically not involved in the brick-and-mortar WiSC.)
We'll go ahead and get one thing out of the way: The place is hip. The interior is seriously one giant Pinterest board, what with the mismatched antique China and the bunny rabbit hunting trophies that adorn each table. But there is substance behind the style. After heading in for both lunch and dinner, we can't wait to go back -- again and again.
Some of our favorite dishes were the smoked trout toast with house-cured pickles, the outrageously delicious kale salad, and the apple dumpling topped with melted Hook's cheddar. (It goes without saying that the chicken cracklins are indeed crack, and you probably should grab an order or three for your table.)
We would have been perfectly justified in gushing over this restaurant after our first dinner. But just to be sure our vision wasn't clouded by the BYO wine poured into mason jars and tea cups, we went again for lunch on Sunday.
Support for LAist comes from
And yep, we're still swooning. It was quiet, not overly-crowded. Lunch and a pastry came out to a little over $14. There was WiFi for working, and Electric Guest on the sound system. And inside the colonial-style coffee bar, which is used as a stunning open kitchen and plating station by night, Nicely from Handsome Roasters was pulling lattes adorned with his stylish rosettes. And even though the restaurant is distinctively Southern-inspired, you can easily get away with ordering vegetarian or pescatarian -- both at lunch and dinner.
Between this and the G & B pop-up at Sqirl, we're re-inspired by food and coffee here in L.A. If that means we're elitist hipsters, then so be it. At least we won't be elitist hipsters eating at yet another gastropub.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent. -
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places. -
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures. -
It will be the second national day of protest against President Donald Trump. -
The university says the compact, as the Trump administration called it, could undermine free inquiry and academic excellence.
Best of LAist