Tal Ronnen has had a busy week, first with the grand opening of LYFE Kitchen in Culver City last Friday and now Crossroads in Beverly Grove. Whereas Ronnen was a consultant for LYFE, he's both chef and partner at Crossroads. Unlike the fast casual concept behind LYFE Kitchen, Crossroads is designed to be a fine dining establishment.

The menu of seasonal and vegan-friendly small plates — a large portion of which are gluten-free — feature Mediterranean-style dishes such as kale spanakopita, risotto-stuffed banana peppers and cassoulet. Prices run between $5 to $15 for appetizers, flatbreads and small plate entrees. Scot Jones is executive chef. Gaston Martinez designed a menu of cocktails with a similar focus on seasonal ingredients. A wine list of 70 varietals will also be available.

Pastry chef Serafina Magnusson is behind a tidy dessert lineup, which includes a citrus panna cotta with caramel and ginger walnut biscotti. Paired with digestifs, the desserts are intended to come in a combo set, but they can also be ordered without alcohol. Magnusson also consults with LYFE Kitchen on their pastries.

Previous restaurants in the location were Phillipe Chow and Dolce. Crossroads will open tonight at 5 p.m. for dinner.

Crossroads: 8284 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles; (323) 782-9245

And in related news:

Now Open: LYFE Kitchen in Culver City

Adventures in Veganism: The Vegan Joint


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