Ink.

You know all about my obsession with Top Chef and visiting restaurants of Top Chef alumni (recently- Mike Isabella's Graffiato and Michael Voltaggio's casual lunch spot, Ink. Sack)
so going to Michael Voltaggio's Ink. obviously had a spot on my "restaurant to do list." I was finally able to get to Ink. with my husband and some friends the Thursday night before Christmas and to say we were not disappointed is an under statement.

We received pretty good service and one of the little things Ink. does that sets them apart from other LA restaurants is that they have a coat check. I know, I know- it's LA..but it does get cold here and we do wear coats, so this was a really nice touch and not too many other restaurants offer this. The wine list is on point with appropriately priced and well selected wines and the cocktail list looks excellent, though I stuck to wine. The menu consists of about 20 small plate dishes and 4 desserts, all changing frequently.  We were really impressed with the majority of the dishes, but there were a few stand outs (no disappointments!!)- the brussel sprouts with lardo and pig's ear, the jidori chicken and waffles with maple and hot sauce (my personal favorite, lamb neck with chickpea poutine, and the charred avocado stuffed with crab.

Tough angle, but that's Mr. Volt making magic in the kitchen

Bigeye tuna with grapefruit, soy gel, and parsnip sesame creame

Charred avocado stuffed with crab with whipped fish sauce, mushroom chicharon and mushrooms

Kale with burrata, asian pear, yuzu, and pumpkin seeds

Brussel sprouts with crispy pig ear, lardo, and apple

Lamb neck, chickpea poutine with yogurt curds

Jidori chicken and waffles with smoked maple and hot sauce

Sea Bass with Kelp pasta, shishito peppers, fennel

Pork cheeks, charcoal oil, leeks, macaroni and cheese

Skirt steak with potato cigar and parsnip

Apple dessert with creme caramel, burnt wood sabayon, and walnut. Note the smoking ice cream!!

We had such a special and memorable pre-holiday dinner at Ink. So many incredible flavors and beautiful presentations. I love the bowls the dishes are served in that look straight out of Heath Ceramics.

Happy Eating everyone! Did you have any special dinner over the holidays?