restaurant review: aoc wine bar and restaurant (how did i forget about you?)

(Los Angeles, CA).  I haven't been back to AOC Wine Bar and Restaurant for years.  I'm not sure what caused the prolonged break.  I had always loved the food, ever since Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne (who also brought us Lucques, the Tavern, etc.) opened it in 2002, as a pioneer of the wine bar/small plates in Los Angeles.  I guess life and other new restaurants just got in the way.  Then recently, I was reminded of aoc while reading Los Angeles Magazine.  In their list of best LA restaurants, aoc retook the number 1 spot!  I immediately made a reservation, and even though, it is in a newer and larger location, it was still like visiting an old friend.

Charcuterie Plate.

We arrived on a Saturday night at 7:30pm and the place was already bustling.  We were fortunate enough to sit outside in the gorgeous spanish style patio with a fireplace surrounded by trees and flowers and the chatter of content diners.  But like any good LA restaurant, the moment there was a hint of the night's chill, the heat lamps were on.  Overall, the decor and atmosphere of the restaurant was warm and lovely.


Service at aoc is always on the mark.  Knowledgeable, warm and friendly.  I appreciate servers who can provide in-depth information and personal opinions on each dish and wine.  It's terrible to have a server proclaim everything is "fabulous" even though you suspect that the negative size 0 person has probably never tasted whatever she is trying to sell you.  This is not the case, here.  When we were torn between wine and food choices, our server explained each one to help us with our decision.  The wine recommendation (Sandhi, a pinot noir from Santa Rita Hills) was superb.

But alas we come to the food -which is the star of the place.  Every single thing we had was scrumptious and wonderfully prepared with the ingredients shining through.

We started with a simple cheese (a sheep cheese from croatia) and charcuterie plate (coppa and soppresseta).  I admit I am often disappointed with the mediocre cheese/charcuterie from most restaurants, so I don't order this often, but I'm glad to be proven wrong here. 

Then we had an endive salad with turnips and crab meat - it tasted like spring, and was drizzled with some amazing olive oil.

Endive Salad with crab.

Followed by a crisp and chewy focaccia with baby broccoli, bagna cauda, and burrata fresh from the oven.

Foccacia.

We shared half a rack of lamb atop a pea puree (perfect medium lamb, which wasn't gamey at all) and cauliflower in curry and red vinegar.

Every dish was memorable and delicious.  I'm glad that aoc is still as amazing as I remembered.  I'm sorry I was forgetful and neglectful.

1/2 rack of lamb.

We finished the meal with some coffee and a slice of creme fraiche cake with blueberries and candied lemons.  Really light and not too sweet. 

Creme Fraiche cake with blueberries.

I will definitely be back - with friends - so we can try even more small plates!

This is a great place for locals and tourists alike.  Reservations are recommended.

Roasted cauliflower with curry & red vinegar.