Highland Park: Checking Out Cocktails and Food at Hippo

 

I made it to Hippo last month during the holidays. It’s been on my radar for a while and I was glad I was finally able to check it out before heading out down the street to a show with the Pacific Opera Project. I really enjoy Chef Matt Molina’s food and Hippo is a solid neighborhood spot. I fully expect some items will emerge with cult status soon. His creativity at Osteria Mozza and Everson Royce Bar is already evident at Hippo.

Hippo is located in the same complex as Triple Beam Pizza, HIghland Park Wine and Go Get ‘Em Tiger coffee.

While I waited for friends to arrive, I had the There Will Be Blood drink. I love the winter because of all the great citrus including one of my favorites, blood oranges. Naturally I had to try it in a drink.

There Will Be Blood – bourbon, amaro, almond orgeat, blood orange, lemon, walnut bitters

 

 

We decided to keep our meal on the lighter side by sharing three plates including beets with burrata (top photo), ocean trout with lentils and the lasagna.

It took me a number of years before I even tried beets and now I love them. I enjoyed the slight crunch of the dish as well.

I love lentils and they were a tasty accompaniment to the tender trout.

 

 

My favorite drink of the night was the Gin No Juice. It has all the things I love- basil and one of my favorite liqueurs, Italicus which is bergamot based. That gave it a hint of citrus in a stirred cocktail. Genius!

Gin No Juice – Moletto gin, basil eau di vie, Italicus, Amaro Angeleno

 

I would expect nothing less than perfect pasta from a chef that worked at Mozza. The lasagna was wonderful. I want to go back to try all the pastas. I wonder if there should be a pasta tasting menu.

 

Another friend joined for dessert. I didn’t taste her espresso pot de creme as I was now full but she enjoyed it. Next time!

 

Hippo

5916 1/2 N Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90042  —  (323) 545-3536

© 2019 The Minty