Looking for a place like Momofuku Saam Bar in Los Angeles

[dmode1975]

Having moved here from NYC in the last year or so, I am missing the restaurants desperately and my birthday is coming up next month. I was hoping for a spot that could be a casual place for a bunch of friends to share lots of amazing simple plates like you would find at a David Chang restaurant. Also, a killer cheese plate with options that aren't the norm is a must. If anyone out there has been to Casselulla in NYC, that's what I'm looking for. I was hoping for somewhere in Hollywood, but anywhere in the Los Angeles area would be great.

[Johnny L]

I've always wondered the same thing too but I don't think we have enough chefs thinking like David Chang yet taking a new direction in Asian fusion.

I think Animal is very similar in essence and soul with their seemingly creative takes on classic names but its more American centered. Still I think its a good alternative here on the West Coast.

[ipsedixit]

For what it's worth, the best cheese plate I've had in LA was at Cube.
http://www.cubemarketplace.com/t-cafe...

[pointone]

Amen to that! I think their cheese and charcuterie menu might well be the longest in LA.

[dmode1975]

Thank you for everyone's suggestions!! I will def give all of these a try! I assume Animal has some good offal selections as well?

[honkman]

There is surprisignly little offal on the menu of Animal. Bistro LQ offers a wide range of offal on their menu.

[Servorg]

An offal request! You must be kidneying me! Have you looked at their on-line menu? While the menu does change frequently, it's not a wholesale change, so a lot of the items you see there will most likely be available when and if you go.

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Animal
435 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

[mollyomormon]

They always have foie gras (as part of the loco moco), and almost always have pig ears and sweetbreads. As Servorg says, the menu changes, but I doubt you will be disappointed. Bistro LQ, does have many more offal dishes on the menu and is very good, but where I would say everything at Animal is pretty fantastic, I've had misses on the menu at Bistro LQ. I also enjoy the vibe more at Animal for a celebratory dinner with friends, but Bistro LQ does have a fantastic cheese cart.

If you looked at the menu at District, they also have a good selection of offal (pig hear carpaccio, sweetbreads, kidney ragout).

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Bistro LQ
8009 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048

[New Trial]

And Animal usually offers a wonderful foie gras with biscuit, sausage gravy and maple!

[midtownlunchla]

I just moved here from NYC too (in Feb.) and Animal is hands down my Momofuku replacement. (Minus the Asian influences, and like molly said there is no cheese plate.) Buffalo "wing" pig tails... bone marrow... foie gras loco moco... oxtail poutine... I could go on and on. The Momofukus were my favorite NYC restaurants... Animal is my fave L.A. restaurant.

Lazy Ox would be a good second choice.

[2ndAvenue]

Palate in Glendale sounds on the money.

[theodore3000]

lazy ox canteen has a lot of small plates options, but no cheese plate.

[pointone]

Each time I've been to Lazy Ox they have had a list of cheeses up on the chalkboard (mostly from the Cowgirl Creamery maybe?). I've never ordered the cheese, but I think if you wanted a cheese plate you could create one off the list of cheeses they carry.

[andytseng]

if you're specifically looking for bo ssam, here's an old thread that has a few recs: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/651853

[mc michael]

Maybe the lounge area at WP24.

[ronsilverado]

hungry cat maybe? i believe they do a cheese plate. i've always thought it to be one of the more "nyc" feeling restaurants in town.

[New Trial]

Not so simple but Bistro LQ offers lots of interesting plates, many in half portions, and has a terrific cheese cart with some unusual accompaniments. Other good options would include AOC, Bazaar (also far from simple but fun) and Cube.

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AOC
8022 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Cube
615 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

The Bazaar by José Andrés
465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048

Bistro LQ
8009 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048

[honkman]

Second Bistro LQ

[jaykayen]

Animal

[mollyomormon]

Have you been to Animal? That might be perfect, although there's no cheese plate. District would be also be a great option and although there's no cheese plate on the menu, they do have cheese at their restaurant next door, the Mercantile.

http://www.districtonsunset.com/