violet on pico?

[littlebear]

We're meeting someone for dinner tomorrow at Violet on Pico. I've read some good reviews and also read some negative reviews (small servings for the price, inconsistent food quality and service). Any suggestions about how we might make the best of it? What dishes are consistently good? Is there anything that you think we should just avoid altogether?

Thanks!

[sweetTooth]

Yeah, I'd agree about servings being small for the price. But we did enjoy the experience the one time we went. (We didn't go again as it's not too close to us and we don't eat at expensive places too often.) 7 before 7 might be certainly cheaper. Yup, I was offered a taste of the two wines I was torn between. The milk and cookies at the end were good and a cute touch.

[littlebear]

We've just returned from Violet. It was good to know what was what before we went. We had a lovely time. They had the 7 for 7 menu. The service was quite good. The food was good too. Nothing was under par. And the lamb bolognese was excellent. Sadly, though, nobody ordered the mac and cheese! Next time . . .

Thanks again to you all.

[hrhboo]

Do you remember any of the items on the 7 before 7 menu? I have been meaning to check it out but always get there too late.

[littlebear]

I can only remember two things for certain--an artisan cheese plate (good with oil and walnuts drizzled over 2 cheeses served with bread but on the small side) and a marinated ahi tuna dish that my husband really liked. I had whitefish in brown butter that was quite mild and a little crispy. It was good and I think it was on the 7 before 7 list. I don't know if the lamb bolongese was on the 7 list (and it was really, really good). My friend also had cured salmon with beets and really liked it, but I'm pretty sure that it was nightly special. Also, I don't know if the list changes nightly, weekly, etc.

[hrhboo]

Thank you so much, that helps!

[ipsedixit]

The 7x7x7 is only available Wed, Tue and Thu.

Menu does not change.

It includes the following (from memory):

-cheese plate
-chicken liver
-mahi tuna
-salmon
-mussells
-whitefish
-lamb bolognese

[hrhboo]

I love all those dishes. I'll try and get there next week. Thanks!

[ipsedixit]

You're luck my dinner companion was a completely bore, which left me plenty of time to commit the menu to memory ...

[hrhboo]

Violet is one of my favorites. Don't miss the mac n cheese!

[littlebear]

Thanks so much everyone!

[tatertotsrock]

VIOLET!!!
I LOVE Violet.
Great dinner. Great lunch. Great 7 before 7.
Good wine by the glass list.
I think each small plate has been worth every penny. Everything has tasted as good as it looked and everything come out looking pretty! I've enjoyed the service evertime except once when I went to lunch solo...the server was a bit cold-even rude in the beginning but soon warmed up when he noticed what I was ordering...not excuseable but he changed his tune, became friendly and enthusiastic with wine suggestions after some discussions...brought out a couple of tastes to taste that weren't on the list...oooh, that burger at lunch time with a good glass of wine! I wish it wasn't so far from where I live.

[whatsfordinner]

What is 7 before 7? I checked the website and there's no mention of it.

[ipsedixit]

7 items for 7 dollars all before 7 p.m.

Clever, eh?

Dunno if it's still going on though ... Anyone know?

[whatsfordinner]

I should have been able to figure that out!

[asnyder]

Yes, it's still going on.
They choose which items will be $7. The rest of the menu is avail as well. They also have 2 glasses of featured wine for $7

They also have a nice Sunday dinner 3-course prix fix menu - it's $25 and for an extra $10 you get an endless glass of wine (they select the wine). The only problem is that the prix fix changes every week (there are choices for each course) and you won't know until you get there what it is unless you call. The regular menu isn't offered on Sunday so if you don't like the options you're screwed. Although when I went they still had the Mac and Cheese avail as a separate starter just in case...and it really is to die for!

[ipsedixit]

I like violet.

Try the mac 'n cheese, meatballs, fries, mushroom ravioli and mashed potatoes.

Do they still have the 7 for 7 before 7 deal?

[a_and_w]

I like Violet, too, and would second those recs. The only dish that left me cold was the spinach. Not bad, just kind of boring.