Surprise Meeting at Three Drunken Goats

We all know there is no place like Montrose. We have that small town charm that is especially unique being so close to L.A. You just never know who you are going to run into and what new people you might meet. I was reminded of this the other night when out and about doing some research for this column. Dale was at an MSPA committee meeting and I decided to leisurely stroll the town and see where it would lead me. You might want to try this yourself sometime. It might be just the thing to put some excitement into your life.

I found myself at 3 Drunken Goats and wandered in. It was early in the evening on a Tuesday night and Brandon Kim, the owner, happened to be up front, behind the wine bar. It was early, so seating was open – a perfect time to sit down and catch up with Brandon. While we were talking, a gentleman took a seat and overheard our conversation. He asked what paper I was writing for. It turns out he was from Chicago but grew up in La Cañada. He owns Rad Dog Vineyards in Paso Robles and found Three Drunken Goats because it was rated one of the top wine bars in all of L.A. on Gayot! Soon his high school friend and his wife showed up to meet him for dinner and we all got to talking. It turns out his friend is a gentleman named Douglas Horwith whose company American Foothill Publishing Co. happens to print this paper. Not only that, Brandon, Douglas and Frank all went to La Cañada High!

I just had to take some pics and I envisioned an article titled “Six Degrees Of Robin Goldsworthy” based on the premise that whoever you meet here knows someone, or a friend of someone, who can connect you to her.

Well I had to be on my way, but am curious as to what the group had for dinner. I wonder if they tried any of my favorites. For those that don’t know, 3DG specializes in delicious Spanish tapas. It is a great place to order several small plates and share. I like to start with the warm olives and roasted almonds ($6). Then it’s onto a healthy salad of golden beets, hazelnuts, arugula and goat cheese. My mouth is watering already. This is not your normal salad and is one of the things that will keep drawing you back. You must try the artichoke and goat cheese croquettes. We usually find ourselves placing a second order for these. There are over 30 different tapas here, one more exotic than the next!

Brandon said they are going to bring back their popular Wednesday night wine tastings where you get to try three wines and a complimentary cheese and olive sampler for $10. They are also planning winemaker dinners and Flamenco singers.

Three Drunken Goats has such a beautiful dining room with soft lighting and an open kitchen in the back. You can find them at 2256 Honolulu Ave. When you visit, play the “Six degrees  of Robin Goldsworthy” game and see what happens.

For more pics of my fun night at 3DG check out the Montrose Shopping Park Facebook page.