With a kaleidoscopic arrangement of food trucks, trendy clubs, and upstart restaurants, Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, just outside of Santa Monica, is a great place to venture and try something new. Catching wind of a restaurant opening was enough to ride the bike over to see what was going down.
The name of the restaurant, in a total departure from the über trendy, one word, one syllable, seemingly obligatory spectacle that has overtaken the restaurant and club scene, business partners, head chefs, and longtime friends Brian Dunsmoor and Kris Tominaga went with something totally opposite — Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing. The cuisine is a departure from both chef’s backgrounds as well, which is in fine dining. Both chefs agree that foams and purees in the shape of swans are not in this restaurant’s future.
Chef Brain explained to me that Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing can be best described as non-pretentious, country-style comfort food, as he breaded a piece of head cheese ready for the fryer.
“It’s not fat kid food, either,” chimed in Chef Kris
He elaborated having a good relationship with local growers, Farmers’ Market vendors, and never flying in produce is essentially the restaurant’s mantra. With almost all of their wine and beer coming from California, the restaurant is keeping their libations in state as well.
“The soul of our food is good, simple ingredients, and keeping it super local,” said Chef Brian.
Over countless coffees, beers, and years of collaborating, their dream has finally come to fruition. For these two Venice natives it was really Abbot Kinney or bust. With the soft opening, November showcases a taste of what is to come. Their full menu and official opening will happen in December. If you want to take a bite out of Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing, come on down to Venice and they will be happy to find you a seat.
Michael can be seen riding around town on his bike. To reach him visit his Twitter at twitter.com/greaseweek or his website at tourdefeast.net
If You Go
Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
1616 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, Calif.
90291
(424) 268-8344
