305722 Thu Jun 29 19:39:28 -0700 2006 0 2 Los Angeles Area 0 1719457 Tasca - Beverly Hills Adjacent 8108 Third St. Cross street: Crescent Heights Wednesday, 6/28 - 8:30 PM Myself + 1 guest (The very-favorite Foodie Friend) The Very Favorite Food Friend finally got the chance to take me out to zee belated birthday dindin. Our outings are always a mystery (depending on who’s paying), but when he grabbed a delicious French red on the way out the door, I had a damn good guess where we were headed. Damn good, because I was right :) Tasca is a new joint in a small space on Third Street. They specialize in real-deal Spanish-style tapas but don’t have their liquor license yet, so they’re gracious enough to offer a ZERO corkage fee. That’s your first clue that this place isn’t following the LA trend. Ratings and descriptions:

Ambiance - B+ I love the interior - extraordinarily warm and cozy, illuminated perfectly by soft hues and candlelight - it’s uber-cozy and very homey inside. Service - C+
In true Spanish-tapas style, they are sorely understaffed. I believe the sweet gentleman running the floor is also an owner - he was gracious but slow, and there was a lot of disorganization. Forgivable, but notable. Food (Taste) - B+
I gotta say, the chef’s got hardcore talent. We sampled a ton of flavors, and while nothing was risk-taking wild, *everything* was well balanced and delicious. Food (Presentation) - B
I love how the gazpacho was served in a tall glass instead of a bowl - nice touch. Wine/Drinks - C+
True, they don’t have a wine list (yet) but the no corkage gets kudos. Bigtime. Value - B-
The average tapa was about $11, but although we were told they weren’t THAT small, we did order a LOT in order to get full/fat/happy. Overall Experience - B An absolutely lovely neighborhood spot with top-end flavors. If I still lived in this ‘hood, I would stake my claim at the bar on a regular basis. FOOD STUFFS

Drinks: Brought our own - and damn was it fab. Bread: We didn’t get bread until our second to last course - wah. But it was rather benign, so we didn’t miss much :) Plate #1: Burrata salad with prosciutto, greens, tomatoes, and balsalmic
** Absolutely outstanding - I pledge allegiance to burrata. That kind of mouth-watering, velvety, cheesy goodness deserves endless accolades. Plate #2: Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho
** Served in the cutest glass, and topped with crab and avocado, this was SO incredibly delish - it had a refreshing citrusy twang that made irresistible. Plate #3: Braised Short Ribs with Butternut Squash Ravioli
** Gah! So good! Those little boneless meaty morsels dissolved on contact, bless them, and the squash pasta yummies? Decadent. Gorgeous. I want more NOW. Plate #4: White Asparagus Gratin
** If you love these little albino beauties, this is a must - heavenly, mild cheese, balsamic drizzles, and grilled perfectly. Plate #5: Mediterranean Olives and Nuts 
** An assortment of olives with almonds, pecans, and other nutty goodies seeping in high-end olive oil. I don’t have to describe these lovely gifts, righto? Plate #6: Arancini with Fontina in Tomato Sauce
** A little taste of Sicily - these were fluffy and comforting. Not bursting with flavor, but I did have an Italy moment - authentic, indeed. Plate #7: Artisan Cheese Plate ** We had a manchego, a black truffle cheese, and a brie-like offering I don’t remember much about. This also came with the bread we had yet to receive, a bit o’ fig, and grapes + apples. Just about the cutest cheese plate I’ve ever spied. Plate #8: Trio of Creme Brulee
** This could have been a strike-out. The first flavor - Vanilla - was *really* running when we cracked into it. Not the right consistency, and yet, the flavor was divine - truly. The chocolate offering had a milky, luscious kick, and the rosemary? PERFECT. Texture, flavor, everything - so amazing. But these puppies were just too small! I’m not at all sure what the final damage was, but with 7 small plates and a dessert, and Pelligrino, I’m guessing around $120, with tax. Final word - They need help on the floor, but not in the kitchen. With a little more staffing love and some word of mouth, Tasca will be the neighborhood go-to for awesome food and a splendid, non-scene-y ambiance. She’s a keeper. Ciao', Hounds - PK Thu Jun 29 19:39:28 -0700 2006 11638 PoetKitty