eat & drink in venice
Jin Patisserie, Deborah Jaffe, June 2006
- venice restaurants
- Axe
- 1009 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
(310) 664-9787 We'd eat here twice a day if we could, happily putting away the rice bowl with wild salmon and the persimmon bread pudding. At nearly six feet tall, owner-chef Joanna Moore can be seen masterminding her haute-organic menu from most vantage points in the dining room, which has earthy minimal decor and a communal vibe. In summer, dine in the outdoor garden, where a fire pit provides solace on cool nights.
- The Brig
- 1515 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
(310) 399-7537 Babe Brandelli, a boxer, opened this beloved local bar more than 50 years ago (note the giant mural of Babe and his wife on the building's exterior). A recent mod makeover—aluminum-paneled walls, orange globe lamps, silver vinyl benches and regular DJs—has taken the "dive factor" out of the scene, for better or for worse.
- Jin Patisserie
- 1202 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
(310) 399- 8801 Venice is nothing if not laid-back, but few venues are as tranquil as this modern Asian tea garden, with its cozy tables and peaceful fountain. Adorable owner Kristy Choo makes exquisite pastries, addictive meringues and macaroons (try the pistachio flavor) and gorgeous chocolates. The proper afternoon tea service at Jin is a lazy-afternoon must.
- Venice Farmer's Market
- On the corner of Venice Blvd. and Venice Way.
Fridays, from 7 A.M. to 11 A.M.
(310) 399-6690 "I love going to the Friday morning Venice Farmer's Market. I take my family, and it means I don't have to cook breakfast! There's a great coffee stand, a French baker who makes amazing croissants, and wonderful fresh strawberries." —Honor Fraser, gallery owner
