Lesley Balla is the L.A. Editor for Tasting Table, a daily email newsletter spotlighting restaurants around town. Since joining Tasting Table, Lesley has been surprised by a number of spots including Church & State (1850 Industrial St.), owned by Steven Arroyo (of Cobras and Matadors). The chef, Walter Manzke, completes, what <Lesley calls, a most unusual restaurant pairing. Lesley recommends the escargot.
For her Classic Tables column, she recently featured Carlitos Gardel (7963 Melrose Ave.), the Argentinian steakhouse on Melrose. For drinks, she loves Rivera (1050 S. Flower St.), owned by John Sedlar. They have their own house tequila, grown and distilled in Mexico. Enjoy a glass in Eddie Sotto-designed tequila chairs.
Music Break: Spiritual Wife by Reno Isaac