Violet is located in a relatively quiet spot on Pico. The interior is attractive enough, albeit a bit small. Nothing overwhelms or offends.
Service was existent. That's the best I can say. My water was filled, food was delivered but that's it. Nothing more.
The menu... here's where the problems lie. The small plates presented were timid. I saw the effort to be creative tinged by the desire to stay accessible. The result is a menu that ends up pleasing no one.
I was perplexed by the inclusion of polenta in a few of the dishes. This would have been acceptable had the polenta not been runny and watery, not think, creamy and luxurious as it should be. The lamb ragout with polenta was an abysmal disaster. I don't understand how to share what basically amounts to a bowl of soup. And no serving spoon was provided.
The macaroni and cheese with ham and leeks was pleasant enough. Slicing the leeks lengthwise was another mistake. Who wants long stringy pieces of fiber when eating mac and cheese?
The white tuna tartare was almost completely devoid of flavor.
The goat cheese spread with bread tasted fine. But there was too much spread and too little bread. The bread slices were uneven in size, some burnt, some too light.
The ravioli in brown butter was acceptable but TWO ravioli? Are you serious?
That's my biggest complaint with Violet. Yes, small plates are fun but not when they are tiny, not fun to share and cost as much as a decent full plate in a regular restaurant. We spent about $40 per person with one glass of wine. And I was no where close to being full. When I think of all the sushi I could've bought with that my heart weeps.
Maybe the prices were so high to offset the complimentary trendy looking bottle water and free tiny milk and cookies at the end. Or maybe they just want to make a lot of money.
Pros: Located on quiet part of Pico
Cons: High price, confused menu
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