Wurstküche

Wurstküche has been on my list for the longest time and I finally made the trip out to LA's Art District this past week for a taste.

First of all, following the directions on your GPS will lead you to the back door, and the backside of the building is unmarked and blanketed in a sea of vines. Entering through the back will take you directly into the dining room, which is illuminated sparsely by scattered lighting (like most LA restaurants, I've noticed) and dominated by long tables and benches. The walls are flanked by additional, more intimate, seating arrangements and a bar.

I made my way to the front and went straight for the exotics section ($7.50 per sausage) on the menu.

With rattlesnake & rabbit and buffalo sausages, and fries with white truffle oil glaze on queue, I went back to the dining room with my glass of La Chouffe and waited about 10 minutes before dinner was served.

The rattlesnake and rabbit, topped with caramelized onions, made the night. After getting through the tight casing, you are rewarded with a deliciously juicy sausage that is perfectly spiced. I am not one to eat spicy stuff and I could handle this quite easily, so if you're looking for a lot of kick from the jalapenos, you'd be disappointed. The buns could use a makeover though. It had a strong floury taste and made the meal dry.

The truffle glazed fries were pungent and huge. When consulting the cashier about which size, klein or groot, to purchase, all he could say was, "The large feeds two." But if you're not a big eater, it can feed at least three. At least it gave the opportunity to try two sauces. I didn't really care for the Thai Peanut, but the Sundried Tomato Mayo was a superb.

Wurstküche

800 E 3rd Street

Los Angeles, CA 90013

(213) 687-4444

Father's Office

First, I apologize for the lack of pictures. I had forgotten my camera that night but I just had to relay my experience at Father's Office.

F.O. II is so, so, so much bigger than F.O. I (located in Santa Monica) and there was a parking lot! I remember when I went to F.O. I, I had to park in a little neighborhood and walk about a block to the restaurant during a chilly winter month.

It's a very laid-back atmosphere here with a linear row of tables and benches for outdoor seating. I couldn't help but notice a complementing line of heat lamps embedded into the wooden patio covering.

I got in around 10pm on a Thursday night. No lines, no wait -- not even for a table! There was plenty of seating inside and outside but it wasn't dead empty either. The feel is very contemporary and sleek with a lot of wood paneling going on. I'm not much of a beer drinker so I solicited the advice of the bartender who directed me to a very delicious Great White. As for my meal, I got the Office Burger ($12) with a side of sweet potato frites ($7).

My medium rare Office Burger was packed with meat, arugula and gooey Gruyere cheese. The arugula was notably fresh as the leaves were quite firm. I couldn't help but notice that something was a little off with the meat; it had a very apparent raw taste, which I've never experienced in all my years of ordering my meats medium rare.

The sweet potato frites are as amazing as everyone makes them out to be. I was really surprised that they weren't drenched in oil as most fries are. And they're served in a cute mini fryer -- though, I must admit that the shopping cart is cuter.

Father's Office
3229 Helms Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 736-2224
www.fathersoffice.com