Phillip Frankland Lee and wife Margarita Lee realized that the Valley was in desperate need of a marquee tasting menu destination. And Scratch Bar & Kitchen, which formerly lived in Beverly Hills along La Cienega's Restaurant Row, has found a much hipper location on the second floor of an Encino shopping center. The official debut comes tonight, with three tasting menu levels ranging from $40 to $120, offering anywhere from seven to 25 courses.
Though the concept is high, the ingredients are grounded, with house made charcuterie, cheese, and even hand-pressed olive oil coming out of the rustic kitchen, which features a massive brick hearth. You won't find servers here, as the Lees will focus on kitchen staff serving guests directly, a la sushi bars, though an 18% service charge ensures all employees get fair compensation. Chef de cuisine Jonathan Portela, who's worked at New York's Eleven Madison Park and Junoon, will run the kitchen on the day-to-day basis. The Lees also run vegetable-focused The Gadarene Swine, a current member of the Essential 38.
Hours run 5 to 10 p.m., Sunday to Thursday (though it's closed Mondays), and until 11 p.m. on weekends. Reservations recommended, and can be placed here.
Scratch Bar
16101 Ventura Blvd
Encino, CA 91436
Eater Video: 16 Courses From Scratch Bar in 60 Seconds
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