How come when I used to work in Culver City there was nothing there, and I mean nothing but liquor stores, and that old Sagebrush Cantina? Culver City has become home to many-a-fine restaurant
and last night we found one that's at the top of my new favorites list. The Wallace, a true California eatery, located in downtown on Main Street serves sustainable fare by chef Joel David Miller.(Follow Your Heart) Food is seasonally inspired,
thoughtfully executed, and mouth-wateringly delicious! But it doesn't come cheap. Tapas are the headliners on the menu, and they are plentiful. Start off with anything at the bar run by Greg Bryson. Order a glass of Lunatic white blend ($9), a bottle of Talbott
Chardonnay ($47), a Dream Catcher ($12) with vodka, ginger, yellow chartreuse, and lime, or any of the beers on tap, ($8) then get ready to make some serious decisions! From the Jarred section we started off with Smoked Trout. ($11) Cucumbers, radishes,
celery, yogurt, and chunks of trout are served in a jar alongside crispy toast. Sadly, I had to share this, but could have eaten two of these! The dish to die for was the Gruyere and Black Pepper Popover! ($6) Two of the world's best popovers are rolled in
tons of parmesan and black pepper and served with addicting chive butter. Yes I asked for more butter. Are you kidding? Oh, and here's the funny part. I don't even like popovers! These were game changers! Next we enjoyed the Shrimp and Chickpea Pancake
($15). It's like a latke, but not kosher. Really not kosher! The two different textures crunchy and crispy melded very well together and took on a whole new meaning when dipped in homemeade hummus. I was pressured into ordering a vegetable instead
of the Pee Wee Potatoes so Sprouting Broccoli ($13) with tahini, marinated feta and dukkah (Egyptian spices) was what we got. Note to self: You need a food dictionary for many things on this menu! From the Sea we ordered the Roasted Scallops ($17)
served with butternut squash, radicchio, balsalmic, and prosciutto. Scallops were plump and tender. On the Land side we enjoyed the Fried Mary's Chicken ($16) served with a fluffy Parker House roll. Chicken was moist and tender on the inside and crisp
on the outside. With the chicken came a side of Chowchow. Again, friends, for those of you who don't know, Chowchow is a sweet southern vegetable relish consisting of cabbage, onions, and bell pepper plus sugar, vinegar, and spices). You can
put it on my plate, but you can't make me eat it! And as if that wasn't enough, one of us (me) had to go and order the Short Rib Ravioli.($16) This dish was outstanding but was such a small portion, that it left me wanting more; a lot more. Braised
greens parmesan butter, and vincotto combine into a perfect sauce over about (no joke) six perfect short rib-stuffed ravioli. Dinner was absolutely delicious and a perfect 5 stars for me. Do yourself a favor after dinner and take a walk over to the Culver
Hotel Bar to enjoy some live music and old movie aesthetics! The Wallace 3833 Main Street, Culver City. (310) 202-6400. Hours: Lunch M-F 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Brunch: Sat-Sun 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Dinner M-Th-5:30-10:00 p.m. Fri-Sat: 5:30-11:00
p.m.
Recommended Dishes: Smoked Trout, Gruyere and Black Pepper Popovers, Sprouting Broccoli, Roasted Scallops, Shrimp and Chickpea Pancakes, Fried Mary's Chicken,
Short Rib Ravioli.