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Scratch Bar Is Phillip Frankland Lee's Polished Tasting Menu Workshop in Encino

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The tasting menu restaurant opens tonight in Encino.

Matthew Kang is the Lead Editor of Eater LA. He has covered dining, restaurants, food culture, and nightlife in Los Angeles since 2008. He's the host of K-Town, a YouTube series covering Korean food in America, and has been featured in Netflix's Street Food show.

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