Canteen Vending Svc

Contributor

Citysearch

The Scene
Rubicon's much-praised former chef, Dennis Leary, is at the helm of this adorable 20-seat house. Decor is stunning and sparse: Gray walls and natural wood tables give way to modern touches like bright apple green counter tops and retro kitchen canisters. The crowd is a strange brew of foodies and the unsuspecting hotel guest.

The Food
The kitchen churns out a tiny menu of ever-changing, exquisitely prepared California cuisine. Start with an unforgettable deviled crab salad or the sumptuous escarole salad of white anchovies and a mustardy gribiche dressing. Mains are also a creative exercise in excellence: The Blanquette de Veau is a memorable pot pie of veal, artichokes, almonds and pearl onions in a rich broth, and the halibut with olive tapenade, ham and mashed potatoes comes perfectly cooked and salted. Desserts are not to be missed: Tangerine jelly with cranberry sorbet and candied zest packs the perfect after-dinner pucker, and the tarte tatin, though chewy, was a wafer-thin, rich caramel confection.