750 ml-- Never Better!

It's not new news that 750 ml in South Pasadena is one of Los Angeles' better culinary destinations. For a year now, they've consistently offered some of the best bistro fare around. What is new about 750 ml is a revamped menu, lower price points and two of L.A.'s most dynamic chefs at the helm.

Chef Greg Bernhardt has returned to 750 ml after a brief sabbatical and has brought his good friend Chef Kris Morningstar along with him. Morningstar was most recently Executive Chef at Blue Velvet in Downtown, and for any of you who had the divine pleasure of dining there, you know what you're in for at 750 ml. It's hard to decide what to call them: dynamic duo, dream team, super heroes, rock stars... all apropos, but the only thing half as good as eating their food is watching them prepare it.

Sit in the bar and have a glass of wine while you wait for your table. Peek into the kitchen and watch these guys as they create the masterpieces you will later enjoy. I guarantee your mouth will water and you'll have trouble carrying on a conversation. They move with the precision and urgency of a surgical team, but also look like they're having hella fun while they're at it. There's a fair amount of non-verbal communication (silent symbiosis), and then there is raucous laughter. You can tell these guys go way back... all the way back to their days together at A.O.C. and Grace.

Highlights of the menu include house-made charcuterie, as well as the signature small plates and entrees. For starters I'd recommend the smoked trout with cress, quail egg and heirloom baby beets for $8... or the Croque Madame with cured ham, compte gruyere, béchamel and a sunny side up egg for $12. You could make a meal out of that and a good glass of wine, but why stop there?

Small plates are designed to share, so order two or three per couple. The sweet corn angolotti with lobster and parmesan are burst in your mouth pasta pillows of perfection-- $12 for a small plate, $17 for the entrée size. The steamed mussels with celery, green olives and lemon are uber fresh. It's a generous serving at $13.

I have to say that one of my favorite bistro dishes is steak frites. I usually order that and a good glass of cabernet-it's my tried and true. 750 ml's is an 8 oz. hanger steak, super tender and flavorful... but... it doesn't compare to the Confit Pork Belly with apricot mostarda, baby bok choy and garlic black bean sauce for $18. It was love at first bite and I felt like I was cheating on my boyfriend-- man was it good. The Daube of Lamb ($18) with summer beans, market peppers and marjoram was a nice surprise, though marjoram can be a little pungent to the uninitiated. I am definitely going back to try the roasted chicken for two, it's a deal at $36.

Steven Arroyo has the Midas touch for sure. He has amassed a charming (and beautiful) staff that'll treat you well even if you're not a celebrity. And, what could be more generous than a lower priced menu? How about a four course prix fixe on Sundays for $30? Even if you're too broke to travel this summer, hop on the Metro Gold Line, get off at Mission Station and head over to 750 ml, where it's never been better!

*Click here for a Chef profile on Kris Morningstar

Stay tuned for a Chef profile on Greg Bernhardt*

750 ml
966 Mission St., South Pasadena
626.799.0711

Hours:
6-11 Tuesday - Friday
5-11 Saturday
5-10 Sunday
Prix fixe Sunday 4 courses $30