Post Taste: WILSHIRE

Diners enjoy the outdoor patio at Wilshire restaurant in Santa Monica. Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Wilshire

2454 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica • (310) 586-1707

This restaurant, with its various levels and outdoor gardens, provides a most attractive setting for eating out. The trees sparkle with little lights, heaters everywhere provide comforting warmth in the chilly evening air, and an outdoor fireplace has welcoming flames. Furthermore, the outdoor area is free of the noise in the high-energy bar, which can be quite loud if there is a party.

We noticed that diners of all ages were enjoying Chef Nyesha Arrington’s culinary creations, all of which have an intriguing element that makes dining here special.

The chef’s choice ceviche with avocado ($12) was my starter, and it was superb. Nicely spiced, the ceviche spread on crisp plantain chips was irresistible, especially with a bit of the fresh avocado. My daughter selected the chilled white asparagus, served with a little duck prosciutto and an array of fava beans, succulent cherry tomatoes and herbs in an orange vinaigrette ($17). The thick spears of asparagus had a slightly sweet flavor that added a pleasing nuance to the prosciutto.

A simple market vegetable salad is $12, while steak tartare with wild arugula and a quail egg is $15. The array of starters, including a half-dozen oysters and sweet-pea soup, is most enticing with a trio of flatbreads. There is something for any appetite.

The dozen entrées include three fish dishes, a Wilshire burger with aged cheddar cheese ($16), steaks ($38), a spicy lamb Bolognese bucatini pasta ($26) and Colorado lamb chops ($38).

The lamb chops were handsomely displayed with a little lamb belly, a zucchini basil purée and a lightly fried zucchini blossom. Not only did the chops look inviting, but they also had excellent flavor.

My broiled black cod with a honey-mustard glaze came with roasted cipollini (small onions) in an onion broth ($28). This fish was succulent, with its intriguing flavors that made every bite delicious, and a tribute to Chef Nyesha’s culinary expertise. We also ordered the lightly creamed spinach ($6) as a side vegetable. That, too, was delightful, and a perfect accompaniment to both the chops and the cod.

Sticky toffee pudding with crème fraîche ice cream was wonderful to share at the end of this scrumptious meal. Desserts are generally $10, with the exception of the cheese plate ($18) and the brown butter-chocolate chunk cookie with malted milk ($12), which is suggested for two diners.

Wine bottles are half off on Thursday nights.

New at Wilshire is the Sunday patio brunch, served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., which features a make-your-own omelet station, a buffet selection of salads and appetizers, pastries and desserts, as well as an unlimited mimosa and Bloody Mary bar. The cost is $35 for adults, $25 for children under 12, and $15 for the mimosas and Bloody Marys. In addition, there is an à la carte brunch menu with such offerings as a crab Benedict ($16), steak and eggs ($24) and French toast ($12).

Lunch is served Monday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner is offered Monday through Saturday, from 6 p.m. to close. The full service bar offers a Happy Hour menu Monday through Saturday, from 5 to 7 p.m. Valet parking is $7.