Between its heyday as a seaside resort in the first half of the 20th Century and the gentrified neighbourhood it is today, the Los Angeles version of Venice went through a bit of a rough patch, but the cloud of hard times came with a silver lining. The area attracted artistic types (those with like, no money, man), with members of the Beat Generation hanging out there in the 1950s, and those bohemian sensibilities survive to this day in places like Salt Air on Abbot Kinney.
Penniless artists might want to eat somewhere more modest, but at least the décor here is free-spirited. Co-owner Carol Ann Emquies, also founder of Blinken Interiors, got a chance to work for herself on this one, aided by Brett Witke. True to the bistro’s name, the place is as refreshing as a sea breeze, with swathes of white and pale Carrara marble given a colourful tweak by features such as the delightful ceramic light fittings over the bar. The kitchen is also notable, encased in glass and zinc panels, which recur under the marble counter.
