the hungry cat   

When you walk into The Hungry Cat, you pass the bandana-clad owner/chef David Lentz behind the horseshoe-shaped bar and wonder just how far back the contemporary space extends under it's high industrial roof. But it doesn't. The angled arrangement of dark cherry wood chairs and tables against a tall purple wall comes to an abrupt halt; an interesting contradiction to the bright and airy vibe ensuing on the outdoor patio. Priding itself on its vast array of catches flown in from the East Coast every day, The Hungry Cat is owned by Lentz and his wife Suzanne Goin, proprietors behind two of LA's most regarded restaurants, Lucques and A.O.C. And it's safe to say that it's appealing to more than just the felines, as its array of oysters and clams on the half shell, "Pride of Baltimore" crab cakes and one-half pound plates of peel 'n' eat shrimp make it as serious as any seafood stop in town. The place feels a bit fancier and more expensive than something you'd hook onto at such a tourist-ridden spot as Sunset and Vine, with entrees averaging around $17-$18. But wouldn't you worry if you had to pay anything less for your pan-roasted halibut cheeks? Brunch is also available on the weekends, with vanilla beignets and blackberry compote adorning a rather indulgent menu.