Originally I was going to take my Mom to a post Birthday celebration, but as life goes the angels took her away on May 5th, 2021. So instead we toasted to my Mom’s amazing life and had a celebration along with some of the best food and drinks I have had in a very long time. Of course it is a sad time, but I am doing what my Mom would have wanted me to do and that is ENJOY LIFE!!
Wood & Vine is just the best-hidden gem in Hollywood. It’s lovely cool patio always has old time films playing on the patio wall, and even though it is Al Fresco, it still is an enclosed patio. You could be anywhere, Manhattan, Italy – it is just has that kind of global vibe.
Here’s what I tried:
Cocktails:
Accomplice, Tito’s Vodka, strawberry, lemon and champagne. It’s truly effervescent and will quench any thirst.
Magnolia, Rain organic cucumber vodka, muddled, cucumber, lime, ginger, and honey ginger syrup. A nice refreshing cocktail. What a great way to start the evening.
Tequila Mockingbird, El Destilador Blanco Tequila, lime, agave, blackberries, and basil. This by far was my favorite cocktail of the night. Long lingering sweet tropical juices, make for one elegant drink.
Mezcalpel with Bazal Ensemble Mezcal, pineapple, lime, agave, and jalapeno. My adorable efficient server Nick said we should try this. It is one of those drinks that you should only try if you like the flavor of Mezcal, it is not for everyone.
Wine:
Pinot Noir – Annabelle, 2016, Oakville. A nice rounded out flavorful wine, this is a great pairing with the linguini and shrimp, and all of those luscious tomatoes.
Chardonnay, La Follette, 2015, Sonoma. I would pair this with the popcorn shrimp, it added an over creaminess to the spice in the shrimp.
Chardonnay, Valravn, 2017, Sonoma. The perfect wine with the scallops, period.
Zinfandel, Dasbe, 2018, Sonoma. I adore a good Zin, this one did not disappoint.
Cabernet, Obsidian Ridge, 2016, Napa. This is the kind of Cabernet that needs a big steak or in my case short ribs, its tobacco; cheery essence will make any steak taste better.
To Start:
Spinach Artichoke Dip, artichoke hearts, spinach, cream, three cheeses, spices, and warm crostini. A great filling shared starter with nice artichoke flavor.
Tuna Tartare, seared yellow fin, sweet chill sauce, diced mango, over fresh cucumber soup with chives. The sweetness of the mango is everything, just loved this.
Fried Ricotta, panko breaded, house tomato sauce and chives. This dish is for anyone that likes Italian styled food, it has great texture and the sauce was out of this world.
Popcorn Shrimp, spicy fried shrimp, spicy tartar sauce. I just could not get enough of this, love love – loved it!
To Share:
Linguini and Shrimp, fresh tomato sauce and Parmesan. My Grandfather used to take me to a restaurant called Sarantinos in my old neighborhood and this dish was exactly the same as what I use to order there, so it brought back very fond childhood memories. This would be my go to dish for sure here at Wood & Vine.
Chilean Sea bass herbed risotto and lobster sauce. This dish was all about the sauce, very delicious.
Braised Short Rib, slow cooked beef, Yukon mashed potatoes, mushroom and petite carrots, with red wine sauce and chives. For the comfort food lover this is it. Just wonderful.
Pan-Seared Scallops with pureed lentils, and crispy pancetta. The scallops pop in your mouth and the pancetta adds an over all saltiness that just works perfectly.
Farm Raised Canadian Mussels, spring onions, pancetta, Korean chili flakes, in a spicy white wine sauce. These little darlings are spicy, but fresh and plump, a great menu option.
Burger and fries, a big hearty meaty burger and the fries were super tasty.
Sides:
Shell and cheese, aged cheddar and Chez-its. This dish is so rich and creamy and the Chez-Its just add another layer.
Crispy Brussels with sweet chili sauce. Crispy, golden, just the perfect side dish.
Dessert:
Norma’s Magical Donut holes, cinnamon and sugar dusted with vanilla sauce. A must have dessert item, period, end of story.
Butterscotch, maple ice cream, and sweet thyme crumbles. This is my all time favorite, got to have it.
I have done tastings here before, but there was something very special about this one. Wally is always so sweet and accommodating, and he knew my sadness about my Mom, so he came over and gave me a huge hug. Perhaps my Mom was watching over this dinner and making everything just tastes a little bit better. But whatever the reason Wood & Vine is a place to go to often and enjoy. You feel like family walking in the door, and they really try to pull out all of the stops for the best dining experience. I am so glad that they reopened and I am here to say get in your cars or your Ubers and go out to dinner and enjoy their perfect patio dining experience.
Wood & Vine
The Taft Building
6280 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA.
(323)334-3360
* Dedicated to my Loving Mother, Lois Jackson Cohen – Forever in Our Hearts.
