RESTAURANT REVIEW: Edendale Grill

I never felt fancy enough to eat at the Edendale Grill. Nestled off the sidewalk on Rowena behind a brick and bush veil--the place always seemed intimidating. So a couple weeks ago when a friend, who just moved to the neighborhood from SF, suggested we go there for dinner, I was nervous, but decided that I was up for the experience. Overall the food was okay, but the bar and the atmosphere were great.

We had reservations & our party of 6 was promptly seated in the front patio. It was a balmy evening so I ordered a margarita to cool me off which turned out to be a great margarita. The wine list looked pretty comprehensive and I've heard that they make a mean martini.

Foodwise I got the soup of the day--carrot ginger--which was no better than what I could make at home & "warm pecan custed brie with cherry-sage compote & crostini" which was fine, but nothing to write home about. Oli was excited when he ordered the "macaroni & brie with fennel, garlic herb breadcrumbs and roasted tomato" but when the food arrived instead of a cheesy, crispy, kitchy gourmet twist on an old favorite, Oli was given a plate of bowtie pasta with cream sauce and mixed veggies which was fine, but it should not be called macaroni.

The service was really good, despite one of they guys we were with being an a-hole & actually smacking our waitress on the butt. Actors (sigh).

Anyway, the most exciting part of the evening happened much much later. I had just dozed off & settled into the strangest dream I've had in a while. I went to a chinese restaurant where I knew the 3 owners. The whole place was emptied out & I walked in and was greeted by 3 Asain people--2 men & a woman. They offered me a strange beverage that I thought was sparkling water. As I drank it I felt as if my body was becoming effervesent & my soul was lifting out of my body. At this point in my real body (and in the dream) I started saying "whooaa! whooaaa!" because the sensation was so strange. Oli interpreted this to be my death rattle and woke me up. I don't know if they put msg in the food or maybe some other strange potion but I don't know if I'll eat there again.

Food: Okay, but may cause out of body experiences.
Atmosphere: Terrific! Go to the adjoining bar Mixville!!!

Edendale Grill
2838 Rowena Avenue
Silver Lake