The Metro is still hot

I worried about how The Metropolitain, the sophisticated urban restaurant with the subway-like entrance on Bijou near Tejon Street, would weather the change in ownership and the loss of new chef Brent Beavers.

But my worries were unfounded. I went there Tuesday night for an office party, and they had an outstanding spread of food: pate, hummus, juicy and tasty buffalo prime rib, delectible king crab claws ...

The Metro still has those great martinis (go for the Ruby which is grapefruit-flavored or the pomegranate,) but new owners Kimball and Sabrina Bayles are much more into wines, so you'll notice a vast improvement in the wine list.

We sampled two small-vineyard Napa Valley reds: Molly Dooker and Panacea.... . Phenomenal.