Currently a pop star of the American culinary scene, former-Top Chef winner Michael Voltaggio opens Ink along a posh strip of Melrose Avenue amongst stores like Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen. The restaurant brings an edgier vibe to the neighborhood more known for pretty Francophile eateries like Comme Ca and Fig & Olive than cutting-edge gourmands. The space features a lofty-feel with exquisite design of polished cement floors, rustic beam columns and impressive artwork. An "omakase-style" dining experience with up-front table of 8-seats also allows one to eat and watch the kitchen in action and live out any Top Chef fantasies.
The Food
This daily-changing menu was noted during Fall 2011 with artfully-arranged dishes like Hamachi with green apple, blue prawns with green papaya and Dungeness crab toast with tarragon mayonnaise. Heartier dishes like octopus popcorn with piquillo pepper, black cod with kelp pasta and spaghetti giant squid merge eastern ingredient into western dishes for a sensational result of flavor and smell. Some diner complain about the smaller portions of select dishes, so order more on the liberal side if looking for maximum satiation. For dessert, don’t miss the evolving dishes like an apple crème caramel with burnet wood ice cream that’s nothing short of revolutionary.
Last Word
Cool kid, Top Chef winner Michael Voltaggio proves gourmet prowess in West Hollywood eatery that humbles even the best of LA chefs.