Chef Michael Ruiz opened Fork yesterday in Montrose. The Ingredients and Bistro Verdu chef’s space is shared with Gail Connell’s “Gourmet a Gogo Catering” to keep costs down, with Ruiz handling dining duty, as Food GPS reported last month. Fork’s fare is affordable “country/peasant cuisine influenced by France, Italy, and the American Heartland” and a wine list is kept short and affordable. The pronounced Gallic influence comes with a slight Pacific accent in dishes like green apple seared local albacore, Harris Ranch short ribs with egg noodles, and a brunch time chicken, bacon, arugula, and avocado panini. The focus on simple, fresh produce and off-the-track location already remind us a little of Marche L.A. and Palate, and fortunately Fork’s reasonable prices enforce that feeling. Fork is open for brunch on weekends and lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday. See Fork’s menus here. 2263 Honolulu Ave. Montrose. 818-248-2100.
Michael Ruiz Opening Fork Bistro in Montrose [Food GPS via TastingTable]
