WOW, Finally! Small plates, big food. Now this is the kind of place I’ve been waiting for! I was a bit trepidatious when I first saw the location for BIN 8945. Being the third point in a triangle consisting of West Hollywood’s arguable epicenter “the Abbey” and the equally infamous “Hamburger Haven” on the corner of Santa Monica Blvd and Roberston (not exactly known for its fine cuisine.)

The space BIN 8945 now occupies seemed to be cursed. Over the years it’s been home to many mediocre establishments involving incredibly average food, and I’m being kind. The thought proccess I suppose being that in that location, you’ve already got the foot traffic so why bother working so hard to make great food? How wrong these silly predecessor’s were to underestimate the neighborhoods desperate need for a culinary ray of light—something that was not lost on wine guru David Haskell (Le Cirque, Aquavit). David is passionate about wine and it shows. Expect to learn, and hopefully drink, something new; and if you forget the name of that fabulous bottle? Don’t worry, he’ll remember and email it you the next day. Just don’t forget to get his card on your way out. On his reccomendation we tried a fantastic wine from Isreal…who knew?

So yeah, yeah, all this talk of wine, what about the food? One word, YUM! Lots and lots of little plates to try and discuss amongst ourselves. My favorite way to eat. All kinds of flavors and textures from a range of cuisines. One of the highlights was the coconut curry mussles with spicy sausage. OMG! These were so good they defy words. The beef cheeks were another table favorite as were the fried oysters. Is it possible not to love a fried oyster? I think not. We ordered them twice.

BIN 8945 has quickly become a favorite late night spot for LA chefs, and once you’ve eaten here you’ll see why. They’ve even begun doing guest chef dinners. On March 25, chef Ludovic Lefebvre of Bastide fame will be there.

Bin 8945 is a breath of fresh air for a homesick San Franciscan. We had a life affirming meal and left totally energized. I can’t wait to go back and try their menu by new chef Michael Bryant who worked with mentor Norman Van Aken as his executive sous chef at both Coral Gables and Norman’s…mmmmmmmm…sounds like another delicious adventure to look forward too. Amen.

BIN 8945
8945 Santa Monica Blvd.
310-550-8945