Not that Abbot Kinney needs to be lit up any more, but Fran Camaj continues to take this flame over the top! Gjelina started off in 2008 as a Venice neighborhood restaurant
with complete with a wood burning oven and rustic interior. It quickly became a smash hit and soon, one of LA's hottest eateries. Securing a table is about a four week wait, but, do it! It's that good! Come and experience Chef Travis Lett's outstanding
farm-to-table cooking and it will quickly become your favorite watering hole too.We started off with a glass of Charles Audoin Chardonnay ($18) and some olive bread. Wines by the glass are pricey ($15-$20), but there's a great selection. For dinner
we ordered the Salt and Pepper Frites ($9) with Romesco and Aioli. These were possibly some of the best potatoes I have ever had. The crispiness, along with the seasoning was perfect. I might have eaten the whole plate myself. Roasted Artichokes ($9)
were definitely the most tasty dish. Served with anchovy, lemon, and parsley, and perfectly roasted, I could have made an entire meal out of this one small plate. Braised Pork Meatballs ($13) in tomato sauce, red wine, Parmesan, and served with grilled
bread were outstanding. Grilled Aspen Ridge Bistro Hangar Steak ($26) was a huge cut cut of meat served with spring onions and salsa verde. Steak was juicy and tender. For dessert I had the Butterscotch Pot de Creme ($8) with Sea Salt and Caramel. Heavenly.
That's the only word to describe it. Well, suffice it to say, we've found our favorite neighborhood place. Service is friendly and efficient. If you're lucky you'll find street parking. If not, valet down the street and enjoy the walk because Abbot Kinney
is still on fire! Gjelina 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice (310) 450-1429. Reservations Essential. Hours: Mon-Sun: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m.
Recommended Dishes: Salt and Pepper Frites,
Hangar Steak, Roasted Artichokes, Meatballs, Olive Bread, Butterscotch Pot de Creme