LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE

The List, Edited by Margot Dougherty

March 2007

New This Month: Rustic Canyon

Josh Loeb's wine-centric, Mediterranean gastropub is the toughest reservation in Santa Monica

The room is noisy, and its modern edge could seem chilly if not for the candle-light and packed tables. A low-key waitstaff thread through the proceedings with glasses of small-batch vintages from the wine bar, platters of Moroccan appetizers, and Fra’Mani salumi plates with French bread and a (tiny) wedge of Humboldt Fog. Chef-owner Josh Loeb’s market-driven menu might include seared scallops with snap peas, a hefty root vegetable potpie, or a tasty boneless chicken dish with radicchio and olive and date couscous. Lemon panna cotta for dessert.

1119 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA (310.393.7050 or rusticcanyonwinebar.com) D Mon-Sun. Beer and Wine. California $$$