Trying out “The Difference” (A New Kosher Restaurant in Los Angeles)
The Difference opened this spring
Last night, wanting to try something different, we went to The Difference, a kosher-certified restaurant in Los Angeles. The Difference opened this spring in the same space as Milk & Honey had been on Pico Avenue (which we sorely miss). When we walked in, we noticed that, similarly to its previous tenant, The Difference was pretty empty. In fact, we were the only customers for the evening (and, yes, we got good service).
Pita wedges with red bean hummus
Starting off, we got pita wedges accompanied by a red bean hummus. The pita wedges were enjoyably soft, yet crispy and noticeably fresh. The red bean hummus, however, had a taste to it that was not to my particular liking, but that could simply be my palate.
Cabernet Sauvignon
When we asked about their wine offerings, we were told there was a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay, so I ordered the Cabernet Sauvignon. Not only was it served chilled, which struck me as strange, it also smelled and tasted vinegary. Fortunately, however, I was able to send it back and received an enjoyable new glass of it, this time from a newly-opened bottle and served at room temperature.
I decided to start off with the Jamaican Hot Wings, since I enjoy spicy food, while my wife ordered the Lemon Mango Wings. I found the Jamaican Hot Wings to not be so spicy, but they were sweet, tasty and vaguely reminded me of the flavoring in Chinese food. They were good – not amazing, but not bad, either.
Lemon Mango Wings
I found the Lemon Mango Wings to taste tangy and reminded me sort of Indian food. My wife, on the other hand, was hoping for the Mango to provide some sweetness, but they were not sweet.
Salad that accompanied my dish
My entrée came with a salad, which had a tasty dressing and it came topped with an olive, which was tasty.
Thai Chicken Picante Soy
Similar in flavor to the Jamaican Hot Wings, I ordered the Thai Chicken Picante Soy for my entrée. This dish consisted of chicken slices with the same sauce as the Jamaican Hot Wings, white rice, and some sort of potato chunks. Having gotten familiar with the chicken and this sauce, I rather enjoyed it, especially with the rice, which reminded me strongly of Chinese food in a good way. I might even order this dish again. The potato chunks had a spicing to them that I couldn’t quite place, but they were decent.
Chocolate Crêpe Suzette
For dessert, they offer a handful of crêpes and baklava. My father-in-law ordered the baklava, but was told that they were out of it. So, I ordered the Chocolate Crêpe Suzette. I had not realized how large it was! Fortunately, I had people with whom to share it, because, after having the rest of the meal, I could not consume it entirely on my own. In fact, we didn’t finish it, it was so large. I found it to be chocolatey, sweet, and yummy – a great taste with which to leave in my mouth.
Overall, we had a pleasant experience there, although I wonder why they are not more busy. I would like to try some of their other dishes – since they seem to have an interesting mix of dishes, spices, and flavorings, both American and Mediterranean.
