Week in Reviews

Bauer broke with the parade of raves so far for Alta CA, which he found full of diners exuding a "cool, almost privileged vibe of empowerment and affluence" that the restaurant "has been quick to lock into." His gripes: scary earthquake-prone shelves, premium prices for drinks that don't "always hit the heights," and cookies that "lack flavor or interest." Still, he loves the food, including pastrami that "never fails to please," beef tendon puffs that are the "absolute best," and porridge "that you couldn't imagine would taste as good as it does." Overall, "Alta CA has a very cool vibe, but doesn't quite come together." Two stars. [Chron]