It's True, Barnyard Opens Tonight in Venice

Phone: 310-581-1015
Status: Opens today
Months of delays haven't stopped Barnyard's owners from pushing forward with their seasonal Mediterranean den in Venice. With flighty chef Jeremy Fox out of the picture and chef Jesse Barber (The Tasting Kitchen) fully in place, the puzzle of Barnyard is coming together. Though the concept sounds like it would be more at home on Abbot Kinney, the restaurant debuts tonight at 5:30 p.m. not far from the Venice Boardwalk, in the former Benice on Pacific Ave. Celia Barber, a Portland native, will manage the restaurant and plans on giving the front of house at Barnyard a homey, casual touch. This sounds like it will go well with Jesse's menu, a one-pager divided between Small Plates & Tapas and Mains & Salads. Barnyard will serve the neighborhood dinner Tuesday through Saturday nights. And for those planning to drop by this eve, don't forget tonight is First Friday, so Venice will likely be a zoo. Plan accordingly.
Additional Reading: Vital Updates, 12/7; DelayWire, 1/18.