The Other Critics

Sunset Malibu Splits Virbila’s Affections; Rosa Mexicano Overcomes Gold’s Objections

Rosa Mexicano
Rosa Mexicano Photo: Rosa Mexicano

• Through hits (burger, fish n’ chips, foie gras) and misses (spaghetti Bolognese, Jidori BBQ chicken), Malibu’s re-imagined Sunset restaurant’s “somewhat flawed effort is to be appreciated,” in light of Malibu’s lack of good spots, says S. Irene Virbila. [L.A.T.]

Rosa Mexicano’s presence is “a taxpayer-subsidized insult to L.A.,” says Jonathan Gold. But a few chelas later, he finds the NYC-import “turns out to be fairly likable,” though the guac still doesn’t impress like the huitlacoche quesadillas do. [L.A. Weekly]

• At L.A. Live’s Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill, “everything’s tasty—almost too much so,” writes L.A. Magazine on Puck’s accessible showcase, concerned about the possible overuse of salt, oil, and butter. [L.A. Magazine]

• ” Everyone wanted to spend their time at the new Old Venice,” describes Merrill Shindler on the busy crowd waiting to see the rebirth of Old Venice, which burned down almost three years ago. [Daily Breeze]

• While Pasadena wine bars “come and go,” Noir “is notable not only for the quality of the wines on offer but also because Claud Beltran…is cooking,” opines S. Irene Virbila on the chef’s new small plates and vino restaurant. [L.A.T.]

Sunset Malibu Splits Virbila’s Affections; Rosa Mexicano Overcomes Gold’s