About
THE TASTING KITCHEN by CHEF CASEY LANE
The Tasting Kitchen on Abbot Kinney in Venice originally opened in 2009, with a young, newcomer chef - Casey Lane - who had just moved to Los Angeles from Portland. The name and concept were one and the same, with Lane refreshing a tasting-style menu almost nightly based on what was available at the markets. Known for its handwritten menus, and luxe bohemian vibes complete with an olive tree growing in the middle of the dining room, the restaurant quickly became one of the iconic tentpoles on the famed Westside boulevard. Here, Lane made a name for himself in the LA culinary scene and helped create a hot spot for locals and a destination for an audience beyond.
Chef Casey Lane’s approach is simultaneously serious with technique and relaxed in delivery. The menu will once again be ingredient-driven, with bold flavors, live fire, and coursed with intention. Expect an emphasis on seasonality and spontaneity, allowing the kitchen to respond to what's at its peak each day while maintaining the precision that defines Lane's cooking.
There will be an a la carte menu in addition to Lane’s tasting menu, honoring the restaurant's original format while offering guests the flexibility to dine as they choose.
DESIGN
Designed by Matt Winter of M Winter Design, The Tasting Kitchen is a play between rustic materiality and a refined, timeless European atmosphere. Because The Tasting Kitchen was beloved by so many, the goal was to preserve its spirit while thoughtfully reimagining the restaurant. Hand-troweled plaster, antique reclaimed marble, and one-of-a-kind vintage pieces are woven throughout the space. The original olive tree was carefully salvaged and retained, serving as a living connection to its past.
The overall style is both intimate and expansive, drawing guests deeper through a series of experiences within the space. It feels warm, soulful, and quietly cinematic.
