A taste of Pinot Bistro

I recently indulged in a three-course lunch at Pinot Bistro in Studio City as part of Restaurant Week. At $22 it was a quadruple Lincoln Lunch! I started with lightly fried mushroom and rice balls, which had a great texture but didn't taste much like mushrooms. Also, two of the five were frozen in the middle. My main course was five large slices of turkey breast over diced root vegetables cooked perfectly al dente.

Turns out my friend ordred better than me. Her baby spinach salad with chunks of gorgonzola cheese and pomegrante seeds was fresh and light. Four slim filets of sand dabs were buttery and served with a lemon sauce. A few too many capers for my taste, but I don't really like capers.

For dessert we both had chocolate pudding, made fancy by a pair of strawberries and shortbread cookies. My lemonade was refreshing and the waiter did not hesitate to refill it twice. Service was attentive but leisurely. The restaurant is split into two rooms plus a smallish party room in back which meant it was relatively quiet. The setting was pleasant and the bathrooms were just a notch below gorgeous.

Visit them at 12969 Ventura Blvd in Studio City. (818) 990-0500. Make a reservation online at Pinot Bistro or search for other restaurants participating in Restaurant Week, which continues Feb 3 to Feb 8.

What is Restaurant Week?