Found Oyster

Somewhere between the fading royal blue of the Church of Scientology and Little Armenia sits a non-descript neighborhood you might never visit. Unless you were a Thetan headed to your annual clearing or, like me, a food-loving nut who seeks out funky new eating experiences wherever they hide. Found Oyster is the definition of a hidden treasure.

Specializing in East coast clam shack-style cuisine, you would be hard-pressed to find an oyster sweeter than their raw version or meatier and crispier than their fried. “Chowdaa” is de rigeur as is the spiced- up lobster roll on brioche. Peel and eat shrimp are on tap, too. But lest you mistake it for a retro, roadside Cape Cod knock-off, there are plenty of upgrades and interesting twists to the menu that lift its profile.

For one thing, Found offers both a caviar and a sea urchin service. Didn’t see that coming! The scallop tostada with yuzu, basil and apple was a citrusy delight. The chilled, braised mussels in a fennel cream sauce flecked with Calabrian chiles were quite nouvelle and delicious.., and wisely accompanied by Bub and Grandma’s nubby, hearty toasted bread, perfect for sopping.



The vibe is distinctly neighborhood joint; small, Boho, no reservations, unpretentious, but the menu and wine selection really take it up a notch. There’s something extra delightful about discovering a place this unique and quirky when it so thoroughly delivers the goods. And if you’re lucky enough to have a swell son-in -law like mine to share it with, even better!

Logistical note: Parking is an adventure, but I was told there was a valet for a different place down the street that was available.

Molly Cheek

Molly Cheek is a retired actor and Epicurean School graduate. She is best known for her roles in “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show” and the “American Pie” franchise, (she baked the pie!). For her second act, she turned to her real love: Eating!!! Molly created a catering and home-cooked gourmet gift basket business, placing her baked goods in coffee joints and on craft service tables around Los Angeles. And even though she’s moved on from that endeavor, she still loves to eat. She starts dreaming of lunch as soon as breakfast is done. Cooking is fun, but eating out is her happy place. And she loves to talk about what she eats…..and what you eat and what people on TV eat…. So, she hopes her enthusiasm for food will ignite some tastebuds and inspire you Tomatoes to try something new.

 

Molly Cheek

Molly Cheek is a retired actor and Epicurean School graduate. She is best known for her roles in “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show” and the “American Pie” franchise, (she baked the pie!). For her second act, she turned to her real love: Eating!!! Molly created a catering and home-cooked gourmet gift basket business, placing her baked goods in coffee joints and on craft service tables around Los Angeles. And even though she’s moved on from that endeavor, she still loves to eat. She starts dreaming of lunch as soon as breakfast is done. Cooking is fun, but eating out is her happy place. And she loves to talk about what she eats…..and what you eat and what people on TV eat…. So, she hopes her enthusiasm for food will ignite some tastebuds and inspire you Tomatoes to try something new.  

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