Sampling Fall Dishes at Joe’s Restaurant on Abbot Kinney

Recently I had the opportunity to take a deep dive into the menu at Joe’s Restaurant.  Holding down the North end of Venice’s trendy Abbot Kinney Blvd since 1991, Executive Chef and owner Joe Miller attributes his longevity to a mix of “formal French techniques with Asian and California-influenced esthetics”.

On this particular occasion, I was invited to review Joe’s new offerings for the Fall season.  I was joined by several other bloggers including Bianca from South Bay Rants ‘n’ Raves, Chef Austin Szu from Living to Eat, and Minty from The Minty.  Our host was the effervescent Andee of LA Easy Meals.

Our multi-course menu review was like a whirlwind of gourmet samplings from amuse bouche to dessert.  The steady progression of dishes featured fresh, seasonal ingredients that made each selection shine.  My favorites were among the simplest dishes including meats and vegetables from a charcuterie platter and a light sushi like sampling of fluke seasoned with lime and radish.

Charcuterie platter of pork, rabbit, duck, proscuitto, and chorizo.

Eastern fluke crudi sashimi, with finger lime, radish, and salted grape.

With a definite emphasis on seafood, the entrees included perfectly seared scallops and grilled Fijiian escolar with octopus.  Turf options included Jidori chicken and a succulent lamb sirloin.

Of course, all great meals end in dessert and this one was no exception.  My favorite of the three we sampled was a mascarpone cheesecake served with fig, candied pistachio, honey-cinnamon sauce, and vanilla ice cream.  Competition in the dessert category was tough!  The other options were a pumpkin creme carmel and warm baked apple with cranberry caramel sauce.

Mascarpone cheesecake served with fig, candied pistachio, honey-cinnamon sauce, and vanilla ice cream.

Chef Joe and his Chef de Cuisine Kris Tominaga.

Along with the well prepared entrees, a highlight of the meal was listening to Chef Joe and his Chef de Cuisine Kris Tominaga introduce each dish.  The love and care they took in preparing each dish was all too obvious.

Based on my past visits, I had Joe’s Restaurant locked in as a brunch destination.  And don’t get me wrong, the brunch menu can stand on its own!  This visit opened my eyes to the varied optioned on the dinner menu.  With a focus on seasonal offerings, a visit to Joe’s for each season of the year might be a prudent goal.

For other takes on this meal and the experience of dining at Joe’s Restaurant, make sure you follow these links to reviews by other note worthy bloggers!

The Minty — Joe’s Restaurant in Venice

I’m Living to Eat — Joe’s Restaurant

South Bay Rants n Raves — Joe’s Restaurant Tasting Menu

Joe’s Restaurant