FOOD: Botanica in Silver Lake

Botanica in Silver Lake is another great example of the vegetable-forward cuisine going on in LA. It’s not pure vegetarian – meat and fish is on offer for those who want it – but you could make a great hearty meal without it, especially if you came with friends and did sharing plates. It's also extremely gluten-free friendly. Market-fresh ingredients are paired here with Middle Eastern notes like tahini, za’atar, and sumac. We went with a neighbor and had this great meal. The fresh market vegetables started with the cocktails: mezcal was paired with beet juice, lime, and cilantro; Spanish vermouth was splashed with blood orange juice and soda. Little gem lettuce was complimented with pistachios, smoked California cheddar, and a balsamic vinaigrette. Avocado and citrus was sliced and served with mint leaves on a light smear of hummus. Broccoli di cicco was prepared with Calabrian peppers and fresno chilies, fresh basil and mint, and miso. Chicken is seasoned with za’atar (a middle Eastern herb blend) and served with wilted greens and caramelized carrots on a carrot purée. Roasted cauliflower is fragrant with turmeric yogurt and punctuated with crunchy candied pepitas. Lamb kofte kebabs (grilled seasoned ground meat) are covered in an herb salad and served on a smear of dill-sumac yogurt. Fort dessert we enjoyed the wine-roasted apples in sweet vermouth with cashew-date purée, and a rich tahini dark chocolate mousse brownie topped with sesame-whiskey caramel whipped cream and cocoa nibs. We left very satisfied with all these delightfully intriguing flavors. (See complete set of photos here.)