2008 ROUND UP

EATER, December 2008

Q: What was your most memorable meal of the year? (good and/or bad)

Josh Lurie, Food GPS: For 2008, my top L.A. meal was probably at Rustic CanyonChef Evan Funke seamlessly transitioned from Spago and delivered a
terrific market-driven dinner in September.

Q: What were the top newcomers of '08?

Jonathan Gold, LA Weekly: Palate Food + Wine, obviously; Osteria Mozza,
Drago Centro; Animal; Moles La Tia; Anisette; Comme Ca; La Mill; and the
regimes of Evan Funke atRustic Canyonand Laurent Quenioux at Vermont.
Vinny Dotolo, Chef/Owner, Animal: Old restaurant but, new chef Evan Funke
atRustic Canyonyummy stuff!

Q: What was the best dining neighborhood of the year? And for
2009?

H.C., LA & OC Foodventures: I think Culver City is still running strong but
Santa Monica is doing some great things with Bar Pintxo and Anisette
alongside favorites like Rustic Canyon, Josie and Wilshire.