Here’s a tasty idea that Westside gourmet grazers can get behind.
It’s the new Bistro Al Mar, the fresh new re-incarnation of the corner cafe in the Almar shopping area (Almar, off Mission). Gone is the ambidextrous noodle shop, and in is a tapas-intensive neighborhood bistro that is already making local culturati very very happy. The brainchild of O’Mei proprietors, the new Euro-Med bistro offers pastas, tapas, and small plates — which are brought around on trays to your table, so that everything stays fresh and gets to hungry patrons pdq. Open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner, 5-9pm, Bistro Al Mar offers chalkboard specials, a nice listing of local and California wines, plus a tantalizing menu, including Sicilian caponata, panzanella, spicy composed salads, lots of cazuelas and earthy provençal stews. Prices look great — entrees $14-$18 tops. What’s not to like?
