Joan’s on Third, Studio City. Second day open. My first visit. What did I think?
I know it’s not typical to comment a new restaurant (or even a spin-off) within the first month of opening here in L.A. I’ve waited SOOOO long for Joan’s to jump over the hill, I just had to. You’ll forgive me, right? Good. Let’s go.
An acquaintence of mind writes an (actually professoinal) column about new restaurants. Karen Young is a reporter and writer for Ventura Boulevard Magazine. Her column “The Sauce” just posted a review of Joan’s on Third ‘s’ new location grand opening in Studio City. Sounded deliciious and I’m a huge fan of the original in “the city.” I just couldn’t wait. I let it be still for an entire 24 hours; then, I just had to check it out.
Big mistake. Caveats first, then my observations.
Yes, it’s only the second day and everyone who lives in the entire San Fernando Valley plus a few hundred who just work here were likely to descend upon the place immediately. Including me. Yes, it’s only their second day open to the public and things are likely to be a bit chaotic. Yes, it’s on a tiny street with NO parking – and I knew it. That being said…
First impressions:
- If it weren’t for the Parking Goddess, I never would have ventured inside. That block is a spot-hunter’s nightmare and who really wants to deal with valet when you’re just there to grab takeaway?
- It was a freakin’ madhouse. Seriously. Shoulder to shoulder and no room to breath or get air movements if you’re having a hot flash (I’m just sayin’.)
- The lines were enormous and the wait was intolerable (I ran out of meter time.) My husband would NEVER have stayed for more than 5 minutes. The insanity of “me-me” people shoving their way to the front of the line would have made his head spin.
- Yes, the food was amazing. We chose simple take-out for lunch: Egg salad, tarragon chicken salad and some kind of pasta-salad.
- They forgot to put my flourless chocolate cake in my bag.
- They gave me the wrong artichoke pasta. What I got was delicious – just not what I ordered.
- A buffet of celebrity sightings. Despite the L.A. ethic of not looking, you couldn’t help but notice. Still… who cares when you’re that hungry and claustrophobic???
Overall, I will check it out again after the furor dies down. After all… their cheese counter keeps calling to me and I am determined to get a slice of my dang flourless chocolate cake without having to drive through the canyon to Third Street.
Joan’s on Third is located at 12059 Ventura Place, Studio City 91604. They’re open Monday-Sunday, 8 am to 9pm
Chow for now – I’m hungry.
Lisa
Salt, Sweet, Spirits. 