While at the bar during the Bleachers concert over the weekend, we noticed menus. They looked better than what we normally find in small venues. Hand-cut fries smothered in short rib gravy and aged provolone ($7), edamame with togarashi ($4) and a 'killer' grilled cheese with white cheddar, gruyere, apple wood bacon and grilled onions ($10), just to name a few. Then it clicked.
A few months ago, Scott Brandon departed Fireside Tavern. The chef who opened Crow Bar and LinX posted his newest digs on Instagram, but only now did we find ourselves there.
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Once we shot him a message to see if he was around, Brandon responded that he was off tonight spending time with his daughters. He did recommend the O Burger, but we had just eaten. For $10, we missed out on jalapeño-bacon jam, Tillamook cheddar, crispy onion straws, etc. piled on top of angus beef. Dang it!
The full menu should be online by the end of the week. In the meantime, plot your next meal, or simply remember to grab dessert. We went with his other rec, the ston'dnuts– fresh donut holes dressed three ways ($5). Ours had a s'mores finish of marshmallow cream and chocolate ganache. They reminded us of upgraded malasadas. And thanks to KX 93.5's prize wheel of fortune, we'll be back next month for that burger! The Observatory looks like a perfect fit, Scott. Rock and roll.
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A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.