DTLA: Introducing New Chef Karo Patpatyan at Artisan House

 

Artisan House in Downtown Los Angeles welcomes new chef Karo Patpatyan to its kitchens. Coming from a fine dining background with many years with Wolfgang Puck, Chef Karo brings a certain sensibility to the restaurant, bar and market.

It’s been a few years since I had a meal at Artisan House so it was fun to explore the new menu.

Chef Karo welcomed us with a few tidbits including several amuse bouches. We loved the caviar cones.

 

More little chefs gifts came in the form of a bite of miso salmon with yuzu and seaweed salad. I loved this bite.

 

One of my favorite drinks we tried was the Jack Burton. I’m a whiskey fan and anything with Averna can’t go wrong. I would possibly request less chai simple syrup next time, however.

The Jack Burton – Buffalo Trace bourbon, Averna, housemade chai simple syrup, citrus

 

 

The falafel macarons are stunning. These were an interesting change from the standard falafel sandwich with pita. The falafel themselves are crunchy and very savory.

 

Chef Karo spoiled us again with the salami crostini with shaved truffles and foie gras. When California was foie-gras free for a while, I would dream of dishes like this. I’m glad it’s more accessible now. I would call ahead though to see if foie is currently on the menu. Chef may have some stashed away for fellow foie lovers.

 

Bao bao, everywhere a bao. Bao which means bun are served with a glazed pork belly. The oh-so-tender meat was great with the fluffy bao.

 

We spotted the “daiquiri” drink on the menu and had to order it. It turned out to be a vodka daiquiri that needed just a little bit of something more. Later we found out this drink is normally served with a float of Luxardo so make sure you get that. Usually I find drinks too sweet but in this case, it was too tart and definitely needed that cherry liqueur.

Santiago – vodka, Ancho Reyes chile liqueur, citrus

 

When I asked Chef Karo what were his favorite ingredients of the summer, he talked at length about tomatoes. And I have to agree. His tomato salad was so well composed. As we head into fall, I’m excited to see what he’s working with next.

 

I see the blue fin tuna with caviar dish more of a great appetizer before dinner. Or it works equally well as a luxurious lunch. I loved the little bits of citrusy gelee and it helped cut the richness of the fish and roe.

 

We gave The Luke a twirl and it had all the flavor profiles of things I love- whiskey, rhubarb, basil, ginger. I did wish for it to be a bit more balanced. It either needed a touch of sweetness or more ginger. I couldn’t decide which I wanted. It is a beautiful colored drink though so get your instagram worthy pics out.

The Luke – white dog whiskey, Art in the Age Rhubarb, seasonal berries, basil, ginger, citrus

 

Chef Karo was a bit sneaky with the loup de mer and curried mussels. These are actually two separate dishes on the menu. I suggest asking your server when you can’t decide between dishes to see what can be done. The fish was well cooked and floated in the nicely spiced curried mussels. I’d be hard pressed to pick just one as well.

 

 

Danger Will Robinson, danger! These pillow-y ricotta gnocchi were very toothsome. We cried wolf and had to take most of our pasta home. The sauce was even better the next day.

 

 

We also had a sampling of the burger in miniture form. The slider was delicately topped off with the cutest fried quail egg. I loved the caper berry as well as the house pickles.

 

Of all the drinks we tried, Coffee and Cigarettes was our favorite. Who can resist the trifecta of bourbon, coffee and Scotch whisky? This is a great after-dinner or dessert drink. That is, if you’re looking for a subtly smokey drink.

Coffee and Cigarettes – Woodford Reserve double oak bourbon, Easton cold brew, chai, Lagavulin 16 Scotch whisky rinse

 

Dessert was part of the great pleasure of this meal. We couldn’t resist the chocolate cake with caramel popcorn.

 

And just when I thought I could never eat again, the macarons came out. You can choose which you like. Like the earlier fish and mussels dish, these macarons do double duty and each are dual-flavored.

I’m putting Artisan House back in my lunch and dinner rotation. Who can resist a good seafood dish, those falafel macarons and luscious chocolate cake?

Artisan House

600 S Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90014 – (213) 622-6333

© The Minty 2015