euskalkultura.eus

May 15, 2003 | Print this page

California Canteen
3311 Cahuenga Blvd. W., L.A.
323-876-1702

A rustic, quirky spot favored by locals and an occasional famous face, this cozy eatery offers Mediterranean dishes in a setting accented with Tiffany lamps, green linen-clad tables topped with butcher paper, a simple chandelier hanging beneath exposed ducts and mustard walls covered with antique bullfighting posters. An eclectic crowd congregates around a plain wooden bar, a couple tables lie out front, and Le Patio Cigale--a small, rustic Parisian banquet room--accommodates private parties.

Among a diverse array of starters are items such as escargots, a good chopped salad and pelote Basque (vegetarian meatballs made from spinach, pine nuts and garlic, bathed in a sweet pepper-tomato sauce). Entrees include a delicious poached salmon in Champagne sauce, leg of lamb, filet mignon with peppercorn sauce, and pork medallions with apple-brandy sauce. Generally an excellent value, this restaurant--like neighboring Roma Via Paris--is a secret worth discovering. Dinner for two: $60.