Tuesday, July 17, 2007

The York rocks Highland Park

Eating L.A. was in Highland Park not once, but twice last week. The first time was for the preview night at The York, the new gastropub on, of course, York Blvd. where the Wild Hare used to be. They've opened up the space completely with big windows on the street, brick walls and imaginative light fixtures for a very New York feeling. There's a nice selection of beers on tap (we tried the Heavenly Hefweizen) and a good small wine list. Food seems very solid so far -- a super juicy, tasty burger; seared catfish had a clean taste with no doughy breading and a nice side of sauteed corn; fries a bit overdone like I like them and addictive fried garbanzo beans for snacking on with drinks. Only the Cuban sandwich seemed to need a little more work -- the pickle needs to go on the inside to add moisture, not on the side. I'm sure opinions will be divided over whether Highland Park wants/needs a $12 hamburger, but it seemed pretty fun to us.

Saturday night we checked out faithful reader Ellen Bloom's art opening featuring collages of historic L.A. neighborhoods, as well as the amazing pieces by Clare Graham at MorYork gallery and then stopped by Johnnie's Bar. I liked the people, the drinks and the ambiance, but I could have done without "My Super Ex-Girlfriend" playing on the large-screen TV (how about an artsy movie or something fun to look at?) and the incredibly loud music reverberating off the tiny room's vintage tin ceiling.

7 comments:

Ellen Bloom said...

Again, Pat...thanks so much for coming to my art opening! I'm so glad you got to see the Mor York Gallery! Doesn't Clare Graham do amazing work?

Must try The York soon!

Anonymous said...

The MorYork Gallery is the best....so much in that space.! I could look around in there for hours....

I think it's all about hitting the York and Johnnie's Sunday thru Thursday nights only......
Tried the York on Fri. and Sat., just way too many people....kinda looked like East Hlywd. and Silverlake threw up all the pretty people and they ended up there......
....Johnnie's was a bit too crowded as well.....
maybe I'm just getting old!
I've been to Johnnie's a number of times and that's the first I've heard of them playing a silly movie/video........it's usually old cartoons, The Godfather, RepoMan, classic boxing matches etc.......

Anonymous said...

My wife and I were out to get some sushi on saturday but decided to stop by The York. What a treat the place was packed and the vibe was great. We love this place the food was good although the chicken wings I ordered was a little dry. These guys did a great job with this joint we will be going there again this weekend and will be bringing some friends along. We plan to let all our friends know of this place it rocked.

my little apartment said...

i couldnt be happier that i chose an apartment on 50th and York :)

i too am surprised to hear about Johnny's playing that movie, but ive got word that the selections will be much more obscure in the future...

i went to the York on Fri, Sat, and Sun and loved everything! i thought the garlic sauteed corn that accompanied the catfish was to die for...

Anonymous said...

Hi Pat.
We stopped in to York the other night for dinner....nice place for drinks but I don't think I will be back for the food. I agree with you regarding the fries - very good while the fish was okay. Friend had catfish that was lukewarm. I tried the corn side which I thought was good. We had the salad with the beets which had absolutely NO flavour and 1 beer - tab with tip over $50.00...this is not okay...food should be GOOD for that price tag...don't you think?

Anonymous said...

Went to the York recently. The space is great. My friend said the burger was good. However, the fish and chips come with thin potato chips and not french fries, as most people would assume. The fish was good, the "chips" so-so.

Anonymous said...

I went to the York with a group, good food, good
space, GOOD SERVICE!....... will go again!