We love to track wine bars in our home town of Los Angeles and try them when the opportunity arises. On a recent Thursday night, we needed to pick up our wine club bottles from K&L in Hollywood and thought that while we’re over the hill, we should check out a new-to-us wine bar.
We knew Tabula Rasa would be the one! We had a quick wine tasting at K&L of the wines they were featuring that month (we had a wonderful Pinot Noir – Bohéme – from the nephew of the owner of Caymus) and headed to Tabula Rasa. We got lost on the way by turning the wrong way on Hollywood Blvd. but quickly realized our mistake and turned around. When we got to the Thai Town area, we knew we would have trouble finding parking. It’s always a challenge to find parking on the East side. We eventually found some open spots on a major street a few blocks over. This worked for us as we could use a walk.
We were anticipating being able to relax and have a glass of wine and some dinner. We finally made it to the bar and right away felt at home. It was funky, kind of bohemian and really welcoming. The bar is looong and inviting. And when you walk in the bartenders cry out, HELLO!
We ordered the soft pretzel which was served fresh and really hot along with some tongue-tantalizing mustards, and the cuban sandwich, a tasty classic. The wine was definitely off the beaten track, Steve sampled a chilled Lambrusco bubbly that was really fun but a bit too fruity and sweet. He ended up with a beautiful yeasty bubbly and Jane had a glass of medium-bodied red that paired well with our munchies.
Tabula Rasa is definitely a great gathering place, lots of groups of 2-6 people chatting it up and having a good time under the 80s-themed disco ball. Also they have a solid by-the-glass wine list. A wine shop is also attached. So if you want a whole bottle, their selection for your party is pretty expansive. They sell bottles for drinking there or take away, so that is a plus as well.
Now that we know where Tabula Rasa is and how solid their food and wine are, we will definitely be back. Next time, we need to explore the back patio that look like the place to be on a warm night.
2hollywoodwinos
Steve and Jane Kelly Kosek are two Hollywood winos. They live in Los Angeles and enjoy frequent trips to California wine country and their nearby wine shop. Jane works in film and can be found writing, watching and making movies. Steve is a photographer and designer. They both love to relax with a bottle of wine and know how difficult it is to find bottles worth your hard-earned money. In this blog, they will try to make your purchases more of a sure thing. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
