Verse

Verse in Toluca Lake serves elevated cuisine in a sleek, acoustically designed space for live music

Before I knew it, I’d checked my calendar and saw dinner plans with Erik were up for the evening. Since it was my turn to choose the restaurant, I thought back to a few memorable experience at Verse. After recent visits to Somerville and Sam First, I’d been craving the magic of live jazz again. Verse offered the perfect pairing of music and cuisine. One reservation later, and we were all set for an evening to remember.

As we browsed the menu, our anticipation was high. Everything looked delicious.

I took the lead on ordering, choosing dishes with a balance of intrigue and flavor. We clinked glasses of sparkling wine, welcoming the evening as the first notes from the jazz trio floated through the air.

I started us off with the AGED YELLOWTAIL CRUDO (leche de tigre, parsnip chips, Fresno peppers, persimmons). Though the portion was smaller than I expected, the quality and taste more than made up for it.

Soon, our table filled with shared plates: the LOBSTER TAGLIATELLE (Calabrian chili, squid ink, durum wheat), ROASTED BROCCOLINI (Thai chili, parsley, sesame oil), and the ALMOND WOOD NEW YORK (plantains, Peruvian beans, crème fraîche, lime). Each dish was bursting with bold flavors and crafted with clear intention. Everything was simply delicious.

To sip alongside it all, I chose the M.A.A.D. CITY COCKTAIL (Lost Explorer Mezcal, Pierre Ferrand Orange Curaçao, L’Aperitivo Sonino, Teeling Small Batch Whiskey, passionfruit purée).

While the flavor was strong and layered, the drink felt a bit over-iced. I found myself wishing it had been served in a different glass with a single large cube to let the flavors shine through more cleanly.

For dessert, we shared the CHOCOLATE AND CARAMEL (Tuille, Brown Butter, 626 Miso Caramel lce Cream).  It was absolutely spoon licking delicious and the perfect way to end the meal.

Surrounded by the warm notes of music and delicious food, Erik and I wrapped up the evening feeling full of flavor and life.

- -