Critic's Preview
S. Irene Virbila Times Restaurant Critic
On Wednesdays, it's tomato fest at Il Grano It's time for the annual
Sagra del Pomodoro (tomato fest) at Il Grano in West Los Angeles. Chef-owner Sal Marino doesn't fool around: He grows more than 40 heirloom and other tasty varieties in his own garden. So no worries regarding the recent salmonella scare. Each Wednesday from July to October his love apples get to strut their stuff in his special tomato menu (the regular menu also is served that night). If previous years' menus are any indication, he's going to make tomato lovers very, very happy with dishes such as marinated anchovies with Lemon Boy-arugula salad and preserved lemons or his PBT, a panino (sandwich) pancetta,
burrata and Black Cherokee tomato. For those who have commitment issues, most dishes are meant to share, so you can order a lot. My best bet:
bottarga spaghetti with oven-dried Amish Gold tomatoes.
Tomato dishes, $7 to $15. 11359 Santa Monica Blvd., West L.A.; (310) 477-7886 HOT DISH: THIS WEEK
Bread, White and Blue Build-Your-Own-Burger Weekend at Breadbar If the July 4 weekend isn't about celebrating our nation's independence by eating copious amounts of burgers and hot dogs, then what is it about? The bakery-bistro Breadbar is offering a gourmet build-your-own-burger menu from Friday through Sunday at both of its locations. Pay $15 and choose from the following: house-baked buns (sesame, onion, brioche, whole wheat and Tuscan
ciabatta); patties (skirt steak, ahi tuna, portobello, ground turkey and chicken breast); cheese (Swiss, Vermont cheddar, Gorgonzola, mozzarella and Brie); toppings (apple wood-smoked bacon, fried or hard-boiled eggs, grilled zucchini, pickles, grilled onions); and dressings (
chimchurri, pesto, aioli, balsamic and sun-dried tomato). Sides include sweet potato fries, grilled vegetables, fruit salad or a simple green salad.
10250 Santa Monica Blvd., R-2, Century City, (310) 277-3770; 8718 W. 3rd St., (310) 205-0124; www.breadbar.net
