Tuesday, June 1, 2010

His Fried Stuff Brings All the Boys to The Yard

********THIS RESTAURANT IS NOW CLOSED.********

The last time I saw CJ from Season Four of Top Chef, he was nice enough to take a picture with me in front of Michael Kors. I was happy to try more of his food at The Yard during one of Ms. Cruiser's birthday celebrations earlier this year.
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This Santa Monica gastropub has extensive drink and small plates menus. This Santa Monica gastropub does not have good lighting. Good luck with your photos, fellow bloggers.

Backyard Lemonade -- gin, lemon basil, St. Germain, lemon juice, ginger ale ($10).
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Lemony. Gingery.

Arancini -- crispy risotto balls, spicy marinara ($8).
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Crunchy. Creamy.

Coleman Farms sugar snap peas, burrata, mint, grilled arugula ($10).
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Fresh. Crisp.

Beer-battered young fava beans ($8).
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Light. Tempura-like.

King crab mac 'n' cheese, Tuscan kale, crispy top ($12).
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Rich. Substantial.

Sauteed greens, sherry, chili, honey ($6).
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Unattractive. Flavorful.

Chicken wings, cured, smoked, fried, piquillo pepper sauce, shaved celery ($9).
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Spicy. Messy.

Smoked Brussels sprouts, apple puree, pickled radish ($8).
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Complex. Nutritious.

Fried pig ears, dates, Nueske's bacon, smoked balsamic, St. Pete's bleu cheese ($8).
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Crackling. Chewy.

Shrimp and cheesy grits, honey, pancetta, walnut ($12).
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Cheesy. Gritty.

Mini pulled pork sloppy joes, Yard BBQ sauce, crispy onions, pickles, fries ($12).
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Sloppy. Saucy.

Braised crispy beef cheeks, celery root yam puree, haricots verts, pickled golden raisins ($16).
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Tender. Meaty.

Paprika-spiced calamari, roasted marinara, fried lemon ($10).
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Golden. Tentacle-y.

Birthday girl and adoring fans.
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Happy. Cutie.

Hot chocolate cake, dark chocolate pudding, burnt marshmallow cream, hazelnuts ($8).
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Decadent. Dreamy.

Ha's Farm apple fritters, oatmeal stout batter, cinnamon ($8).
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Warm. Fried.

Popcorn bread pudding, popcorn caramel, sweet cream ($8).
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Corny. Yummy.

Will the food excite you? Not particularly.

Will you have a good time? Definitely.

13 comments:

  1. looks like it'll please anyone in a crowd.

    i miss eating with you.

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  2. Whoa baby, this would all bring me to the yard as well (except for the piggy ears).

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  3. i am dead @ the post title.

    it never ceases to amaze me that you manage to turn out such fantastic photos in what you deem "horrible lighting."

    lastly, KING CRAB mac & cheese? good god a'mighty, i need some o'that.

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  4. Really, it won't excite? I was getting excited just looking at the pictures! There's popcorn on that bread pudding!!!

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  5. Doggy insom loves pig ears. He'd be happy to finish mine. I've been meaning to try it out - thanks for the review!

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  6. Okay, obviously the food looks amazing. But, I am super taken with the Backyard Lemonade! Sounds so good.

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  7. I would like ALL of this right now--especially the king crab mac and cheese.

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  8. Looks like a good time to me!

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  9. Nice photo shots despite the low lighting! Did you grab all of the candles from the table?

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  10. Ha Farm Apples! That's the Korean apple lady at SanMo Farmers Market! Which makes those apple chips UBER special!

    I've been making to make it, except I forgot to buy the atcost coupon. Boo!!

    ReplyDelete

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