Get Down to Wolfdown in Silver Lake

Wolfdown has finally opened in Silver Lake. The restaurant, in the former longtime Nicky D’s Pizza space, is from Jason and Chrissy Kim, the proprietors of nearby Sunset Boulevard stalwart Forage. The stunning remodeled space is like climbing into an adult-friendly treehouse (unlike Forage, there’sna beer and wine), the desserts are delicious, and pretty soon everyone in town is going to be talking about Wolfdown’s Korean fried chicken.

The boho-chic space has been immaculately transformed to take advantage of the somehwhat awkward layout: two houses connected by a middle section, a two level dining room, and, of course, the outdoor patio that sits underneath a canopy of trees. Come Summer that patio will be the hottest ticket in town.

Inside the kitchen sits in the open. There’s a brick fireplace, Wood beamed ceilings, and gorgeous hardwood floors. Yes, it looks a bit like some of the homes I’ve seen recently and that’s immediately apparent when you walk up the stairs and inside: a feeling you’ve come home.

Start with the Citrus Chicory Salad – Endive, Frisee, Radicchio, Scallion, Crispy Wanton, Sesame – The Patatas Bravas – crispy Russet potato, paprika, skordalia. Wolfdown’s creative menu is excellent for sharing but get a bowl of the Green Garlic Bisque made with cherry tomato, basil, shallot, and crouton all for yourself. It will make you selfish it’s that good.

I loved the Glazed baby turnips – Japanese White Turnips, Daengjang, Toasted Seaweed, Scallions, Blood Orange.Coconut Black Rice. And everyone at our table flipped out over the Ramen Noodles, Green Garlic Mint Pesto, Market Peas, and Artichokes. Jason Kim, an alum of restaurants Lucques and L’Orangerie, sure knows what he’s doing. All the dishes so far had the amazing freshness that gave Forage their reputation for produce just off the truck or out of the garden.

The Wood Fired Santa Barbara Spot Prawns, with Kewpie, and Shichimi Togarashi was delicious and a special the night we were there. And we all sure hope they become a staple on the menu if possible. And that’s one of the most charming aspects of Wolfdown – any night you go you may be in store for excellent once-in-a-lifetime dish that the Chef is experimenting with. So far I’ve heard of several friends being lucky enough to try something that wasn’t on the menu and I felt, as I said before, envious!

The Blue Prawns, with kimchee, rice cakes, and cherry tomatoes was a standout. We definitely wanted a second serving and, in a cosmic sign from the food Gods, our server brought out a second plate and asked if we’d like more. Yes, please.

The Cumin Lamb Riblets, with spring onion, paprika labne, and fava leaves was another one-time special and seemed to be a hit at every table.

But it’s that Korean Fried Chicken that will have the town talking. The chicken is super aromatic, flavorful, juicy, and most importantly extremely crispy. The refreshing and light slaw is the perfect anecdote to the decadence of the chicken.

Room for dessert? The Cherries Jubilee, with greek yogurt sorbet, sour cherry granita, calimocho reduction was incredible.

But chocolate is what we were craving and the chocolate cake did not disappoint. Friends have told me it’s the Misugaru “Tiramisu” – mascarpone cream, walnut praline, bourbon, buttermilk cake – which is truly to die for, which gives me an excellent excuse to go back to Wolfdown again and soon.

All photos courtesy of Wolfdown. Follow Wolfdown on Instagram here.

Wolfdown
2764 Rowena Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90039

HOURS
Tue-Thu 5:30pm – 10pm
Fri-Sat 5:30pm – 11pm
Sun-Mon closed

PARKING
Parking available across the street at 2771 Rowena Avenue – Valet parking also available.

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