Mardi

Back and better than ever, chef Kris Tominaga has popped up with his latest project, Mardi, at Palihouse in West Hollywood. Set in the picturesque courtyard of this boutique lodge, Mardi is a place to come with friends, where shared plates are actually massive portions and not the comically tiny servings we're become accustomed to. A large tureen of oxtail soup is enough to feed four, its chili broth and shredded brisket more of an entrée than an appetizer. Tominaga has crafted a beautiful headcheese schnitzel, so rich and fatty that even those averse to headcheese will fall in love with the dish, and his rabbit ragout is a luxurious bowl of ricotta and arugula dumplings. To drink, a robust wine list is available, but you'd be remiss to skip one of Mardi's excellent cocktails—the floral gin with aperol, blood orange and grapefruit elderflower is a summer dream.