Tar & Roses to Open Tuesday Night

The former executive chef at Wilshire Restaurant will open Tar & Roses, serving wood-fired, modern and rustic cuisine, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, said General Manager John Jenkins.

At one time a contestant on Food Network's Next Iron Chef, Andrew Kirschner had been the executive chef at Wilshire Restaurant from 2007-2011. The opening of his newest venture has been eagerly awaited.

The inside of Tar & Roses looks just as rustic and warm and modern as the food is anticipated to be.

There are about 10 tables—topped with Carrera marble and wood—on cement floors; a wide, stainless steel bar; a dark, wood hutch stalked with jam, seasonings and cans; a towering wine rack and floor to window ceilings offering a generous view of Santa Monica Boulevard. The "soul" of the restaurant is a wood-burning oven.

Appetizers will include bruschetta, charcuterie and cheese. The rest of the menu  is divided into four categories: snacks—such as like charred octopus skewers; veggies—such as chanterelle stuffing; small plates—such as wood fired duck egg; and large—such as pickled pear and chile salad and hanger steak.

It was originally reported that Tar & Roses—located in the space once occupied by Artisanal bread makers, Breadbar—would open in December. On Jan. 9, the restaurant reported on its Twitter that it had just received its health permit.

Kirschner was eliminated early on in the third season of the Next Iron Chef. His short biography on the Food Network website describes his culinary style as "new urban...  which is defined by the exceptional multicultural influences surrounding an Angeleno lifestyle. His ability to showcase quality ingredients and letting them speak for themselves produces stunning results."

The restaurant will seat approximately 75 guests with 45 in the dining room, eight at the bar and 20 on the patio.

At 602 Santa Monica Blvd., between Fifth and Sixth streets, Tar & Roses will be open for dinner 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Lunch will debut soon.

For reservations, call (310) 587-0700. For more information, visit tarandroses.com.