In the summer it was lush slices of crispy duck breast laid over a pool of sweet corn puree and roasted peaches. In early fall it was lamb meatballs with heirloom tomatoes, pickled chiles, green olives and mint. And in the winter it was the cheeseburger -- a perfect half pound of medium grind beef, luxuriously topped with sharp cheddar cheese, onion fondue, bread and butter pickles, herb remoulade, and arugula. To say Rustic Canyon Wine Bar is only for winos would be a grave injustice. The Niman Ranch burger ($16) is proof that the upscale Santa Monica restaurant can be enjoyed by anyone with a pair of teeth. The wine is just the frosting on the cake -- ideally a cake made by pastry chef Zoe Nathan from sister restaurant Huckleberry across the street.
Pros: Cheeseburger, impressive wine list, atmosphere
Cons: Expensive
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