The Yard Re-Opens With Bravo's 'Top Chef' CJ Jacobson

Part of the whole gastro-pub trend that continues to pick up speed in recession/comfort era LA, Santa Monica's The Yard threw a re-opening party last night, boasting its latest asset: Chris "CJ" Jacobson of Bravo's hit show Top Chef. The laidback Broadway eatery has a new look and CJ-designed menu.

The competition is certainly intense out there these days and it seems like everyone needs at least one marquis name to survive. CJ is definitely a good one in name and follow-through. Hors d'oeuvres versions of the plates regularly on offer at The Yard were making the rounds generously on trays last night and they were good!

My favorites were the fresh fish tacos (with local sea bass, cumin slaw, guacamole and Pico de Gallo), the chocolate persimmon with burrata (with pomegranate, basil, house smoked almond and olive oil) and the mouth-watering Yard burgers which the 6'8" tall celeb chef told me were made of several different meats. I was less enthralled by the cocktails, with the exception of their BackYard Lemonade, which was tasty and fresh.

In attendance to support his Bravo network-mate was well-clad baby-faced Million Dollar Listing co-star Chad Rogers. Despite more emphasis on eats than beats, the music was fantastic with DJ Jeremy Sole of Afro Funke and KCRW at the helm.