Hollywood: Papilles is Big on Tastebuds

Papilles- French for “tastebuds,” opened in Hollywood late last year. Fans of Bacaro and Mignon in Downtown would be sad to know the partnership that formed the two wine bars has dissolved but the good news is Santos Uy retained Mignon and started his first solo adventure, Papilles. It is styled after the French bistronomique restaurants of Paris– where a diner could have Michelin star quality food for a fraction of the price and definitely none of the formality.

Diners are encouraged to browse the wine wall for a bottle.  We chose a white with an interesting label. Papilles is focused on natural and biodynamic wines.

The three-course tasting menu this evening was only $36 per person. We decided to add the foie gras torchon for the table. Wine, foie gras, you might as well think you’re in a little bistro in Paris rather than a strip mall in Hollywood.

The house cured and smoked Scottish salmon came with chips. A spin on fish and chips? With the bread from the cute red colanders on the table, you could make a great sandwich!

I had the cold potato soup which was as rich as you can imagined but not overly so. Our wine went quite well with it.

At this point, I failed to take a picture of my own pork belly and loin. It was delicious with the perfect 2X2 square of pork belly. The skin was absolutely crisped to perfection. And the loin wasn’t overcooked. I’ve had this sort of combination before at other restaurants and one always seems to go awry.

My friend had the Gulf grouper which she pronounced tasty. The portion was on the smaller side though so I didn’t want to steal a bite. My pork was more than filling.

The Roaring 40s was the cheese plate. Since I don’t enjoy stinky cheeses, I passed up this bleu cheese. It was quite strong. I suggest if you do get it, go with someone who loves you and won’t mind snuggling up afterward.

I opted for the creme caramel. Being no stranger to flan, I liked Papilles’ version. In fact, we couldn’t stop eating until there were just bits left. Damn, that always seems to happen to me and desserts.

There are some restaurants where you order the same thing over and over because you love it. And then there are the ones where you go because it’s always an adventure. Papilles falls in the later category. You never know what the new week will bring. I just know I have 2 more months to try to eat all the foie gras I can.

Papilles

6221 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028 — (323) 871-2026

 

© The Minty 2012