DialogueThis Speakeasy-Style Tasting Menu is the Talk of L.A. (Closed Permanently)
Hidden behind a service door in a back alley in Santa Monica, up an elevator, and through an inconspicuously marked door in the middle of a food court is Dialogue, the speakeasy restaurant that’s the talk of L.A. The chef’s counter is the centerpiece of this tiny space, and your meal becomes (quite literally) a ~dialogue~ with Chef Dave Beran, formerly of Alinea in Chicago. Dishes change seasonally, but one course always carries over from the previous menu; elements of the meal look back to the past season and forward to the next, in a kaiseki-style format. Chef Dave is a passionate and talented cook, down-to-earth, and more than happy to spend the whole meal talking across the counter with you. You’re gonna want to get in on this conversation.
Note: This restaurant has closed permanently.
Looking for more great spots for food and drinks in L.A.? Check out our city map of Los Angeles!
Chef Dave Beran, formerly of Alinea in Chicago.Dialogue is a real hidden gem in Santa Monica.
Danish rye bread with acorn, black truffle butter, marigold, and black truffle.
“Autumn leaves” – peanuts, duck liver mousse, fermented shiso, and shiso leaves.Michael Wenzel – Furmint 2017.Apple, arugula, sorrel, duck breast, and crispy leek.Mushroom brownie with caramelized white chocolate ganache.“First frost on the leaves” – frosted squash blossom glazed with banana vinegar and toasted barley.Coconut sphere filled with crab and pumpkin seed jam.Chinese five-spice fried walnut, celery root, white sesame, and persimmon.Finca Parera – Sassó 2015.Barbecued skate wing ribs with persimmon and cumin.Lapsang, cucumber, radishes, and ice lettuce.Smoked date truffle.Golden Osetra caviar, burnt onion apple butter, chestnut purée, lapsang oil, and apple cider vinegar.Scholium Project – Il Ciliegio (The Stampede Vineyard).Sturgeon in nori with frisée, burnt rye purée, and potato salad.Beef tenderloin with potato dauphinoise, bordelaise sauce, and nasturtiums.Champagne Jean Lallement et Fils – Verzenay Grand Cru.Sorrel ice cream with cherry blossom green tea broth and shortbread crumble.Dialogue’s infamous Basque cheesecake, a tribute to La Viña in San Sebastian.L.A. is lucky to have chef Dave Beran!The entrance to Dialogue is hidden in a back alley – speakeasy-style!
Have you been to Dialogue? Leave a comment below.
Hungry for more?
Connect with us daily by joining our food community, The Hungries, and follow us on social media for more food inspiration!
