I have to retract my statement.
I see why Moruno is going out of business. Their closing at the Grove may have been a poor location choice despite excellent food, but it is clear that the food is made to a far lower standard at Bar Moruno at the GCM. It is rightfully going out of business. I was expecting to grab some gunpowder fries and squash with dukkah for old times sake before they left, expecting the same splendor as at their old location, and was met with tremendous disappointment.
The Gunpowder Friess were mostly soft, not properly fried, and overseasoned. At the Grove location they were always perfectly crisp, soft inside, delicately seasoned, and superb; some of the best fries I ever had in LA, so it was shocking to see such a poorly executed version here. They were just barely passable with the garlic sauce.
The Squash with Dukkah* was even worse, actually bordering on inedible. The dukkah itself was flavorful, but the swash was almost raw and tasted awful. I think think they were roasting the honey directly into the squash before? Or had a better oven? I have no idea, but when I last had this dish it was luxurious, flavorful heaven, amongst the best squash preps I have ever had. I actually gave it away to someone more in need of food than myself. I almost felt bad giving it away… but I suppose not everyone is as concerned with palate maintenance as me.
I attempted to cleanse my palate at G&B, their new later hours (till 8PM) are highly appreciated, but the 20 minutes wait to get the espresso when they weren’t particularly busy was a bit odd. Hopefully a rare hiccup in service for what is typically a more tightly run ship.
Good shot that washed out the taste of a horrible shot I had at Steelhead Coffee earlier in Long Beach on the way to LA, though Steelhead’s cold brewed coffee has become one of my favorites in the LA area.
At least I won’t mind that Moruno is gone forever now I suppose. (Shockingly, however, many people must’ve had the same idea as me, because the bar at 6:30 was nearly full…).