Kali

I adore the fact that I have a truly convenient, wholly delicious destination for contemporary Californian fare in Kali, on Melrose. The permanent locale of Chef Kevin Meehan’s former pop-up endeavor, the restaurant is elegant and modern in both its styling and its menu, with dishes like the smoked salmon with potato and creme fraiche and the beet tartare plated as graceful works of art. Given Chef Meehan’s past experience under Ludo Lefebvre (at both L’Orangerie and Bastide) and Joachim Spichal (at Patina — which, during his tenure, received a Michelin Star — and Café Pinot), it’s no great surprise his food is inventive and beautiful in its own right.

Dress: Voodoo Vixen Black & Floral Betsy Checkered Swing Dress
Lips: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in American Doll
Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer in Ebony

CHARRED AVOCADO shaved vegetables / pistachio / ash / kale

YELLOWTAIL CRUDO citrus / nasturtium / kumquat

SMOKED SALMON potato / creme fraiche / cucumber / dill

BEET TARTAR mustard greens / almond / preserved lemon

CREAMY CHEVRE tangerine marmalade / wheat cracker