Barnyard (1715 Pacific Ave., Venice, 90291; 310.581.1015) is a small, earthy spot in the former Benice home and it opens Friday. It’s a casual, small plates/tapas-style spot with padded bench seating, lime green throw pillows, exposed wood beams, raw cement floor, and local art. With a long chef’s bar up front, an unfinished ceiling, antique lighting, back room with communal/non-communal seating, they are serving all local Cali beers, and savory cocktails and mocktails. Order the Monk’s Café Flemish Sour. It’s sour, in a good way.
The restaurant has brought in Venice vet, chef Jesse Barber, three year chef de cuisine from nearby The Tasting Kitchen. Barber specializes in whole animal butchery and he gravitates toward seasonal, farm-to-table ingredients. Not straying too far from The Tasting Kitchen ideals, at Barnyard, Barber will serve a simple ingredient-driven menu with Mediterranean influences like the clams, marinated in white beans and fennel; pork with caramelized apples, polenta, and grilled onions; braised baby octopus; honey-glazed ribs; and chanterelles with peas and chimichurri. Plus, they make their own charcuterie, terrines and sausages. Chicken, fish, pork and lamb will also be present at this new neighborhood restaurant.
