The Auld Fella opened a few months back but we couldn’t quite make it in until the Monday of Presidents Day weekend and we are so glad we decided to visit and almost regret not frequenting the pub sooner!
We came specifically for Happy Hour as we weren’t quite sure if we wanted to commit to a full dinner just yet.
I started with a vodka martini and my husband had a draft beer recommended by our fantastic server, Matt.
We started with the cheesie toast with turkey and crispy fries with curry dip. The table next to us saw the order arrive and was inspired to order exactly the same thing. The bread was crispy and the cheese melted into the turkey. When dipped into the curry sauce which came with the mealy crispy fries, the combination of flavors and textures were heavenly. I’m not quite sure if Indian immigrants migrated to Ireland but it was definitely a unique and appropriate partnering of flavors. This platter was seriously the best thing we ate though everything else was fantastic.
Next up were the sausage rolls. They had a light outer flakey crust which were tightly wrapped around the sausage which were quite savory and juicy and provided the perfect contrast.
Our next pairing was the macaroni and cheese and grilled organic jidori chicken breast strips with came with an aioli sauce. Both were quite good as well. The pasta dish was dense and gooey and the grilled chicken was surprisingly moist and tasty despite it being the leanest part of the chicken.
Last to arrive was the tomato gazpacho which was served warm. It was quite thick, savory and rich. It may have been better served with the first pairing of dishes but nonetheless, it was delicious and definitely rounded out the meal.
Overall, simply based on happy hour and the fantastic service, we would have no hesitation returning and indulging in their dinner offerings. The restaurant is quite intimate, with only a few tables inside and a handful of tables at their outdoor patio. It definitely has the vibe of an Irish pub and will be one of our regular haunts in our hometown of Culver City.
The Auld Fella
9375 Culver Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
https://www.theauldfella.com
I came across My Lai on Yelp which appeared to have just opened as it only had eight reviews, all 5 stars. It’s located across the street from Mar Vista on Venice around the corner from Little Fatty and Rasselbock.
As one of the reviews previously mentioned, it has a Chipotle vibe where you can create your own bowl or order one of their specialities.
I was immediately drawn to the garlic fried rice which I paired with grilled chicken, cilantro, sliced cucumber, sesame medley, crispy garlic and miso sesame sauce. The chicken was moist and tender with a bit of char, and the cucumber added a bit of freshness and lightness while the cilantro added a layer of earthiness to the dish. The miso sesame sauce was light and tangy, and the crispy garlic added texture and bite, but the star of the dish was the garlic fried rice which appeared to have been cooked in a savory chicken broth or stock resulting in a glutinous sticky rice.
The rice was reminiscent of what is traditionally served in Filipino restaurants but more potent and richer in flavor. Though the bowl I ordered was not an authentic Vietnamese dish, it was quite enjoyable.
The restaurant is quite clean and modern with both an indoor and fairly decent sized outdoor space for dining. It would be very easy to have a quick, easy and healthy meal here or spend an hour or two lounging on the patio with friends. This new find is a solid winner!
My Lai
12222 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
https://www.mylaikitchen.com
Grace Gambin
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