Wednesday, July 20, 2011

First Impression: The Tripel in Playa del Rey


The Tripel, the latest project from Chefs Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts, opened in Playa del Rey in early April and has been popular with the neighborhood since.  The chefs who gained widespread notice during their years at Beachwood in Venice opened Hudson House in Redondo Beach in the spring of 2009 and followed that up with this smaller project.  The Tripel, at 333 Culver Blvd, hence the name, only serves beer and wine, although they have some interesting beer/wine cocktails.  There is also a short menu of food items, with a focus on burgers.


There are fourteen beers on tap, including at least one Belgian Tripel and/or Tripel style brew in homage to the name of the bar.  It is not difficult to find a good source of "lubrication" as the beer selection is well edited with a mix of local craft and European beers.


The menu includes several different burger options including the Lamb Burger (above)served with shaved red onion, a yogurt-harissa sauce, and cucumber salad. The burger was good but not amazing.  One of my dining companions had the Pretzel burger which is a beef burger served on a pretzel bun and is topped with aged cheddar cheese.  That is a dish I plan to return to try.  Another friend oohed and aahed over the signature Tripel Burger which included duck confit, aged beef and pork.


The Tripel is a small spot with perhaps 8 - 10 seats at the bar and roughly 20 seats at several communal tables.  It has a clean look with subway tiles behind the bar and a wall of distressed wood with words carved into it.  It can get crowded at night but during weekend afternoons and Friday lunches, it is mellower and relaxed.

The "cocktail" menu is below:


The Tripel: 333 Culver Blvd, Playa del Rey. Phone: (310) 821-0333. Website: www.thetripel.com

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