Charcoal by Josiah Citrin: A Culinary Haven for Live-Fire Enthusiasts
Nestled in the vibrant culinary landscape of Los Angeles, Charcoal by Chef Josiah Citrin is a testament to the transformative power of live-fire cooking. Known for its bold flavors, innovative techniques, and relaxed ambiance, this restaurant brings the elemental beauty of cooking with fire to the forefront. Whether you're a local foodie or a visitor seeking a unique dining experience, Charcoal delivers dishes that celebrate the smoky, caramelized magic of ember cooking.
The Charcoal Experience
At Charcoal, the grill isn’t just a tool; it’s the heart of the kitchen. Citrin’s approach emphasizes simplicity and respect for ingredients, allowing fire to enhance their natural flavors. The menu features a mix of perfectly grilled proteins, seasonal vegetables, and inventive sides, each with a distinct smokiness that only live-fire cooking can achieve.
Bring the Charcoal Magic Home
For those who want to recreate the Charcoal experience, Chef Josiah Citrin’s cookbook, Charcoal: New Ways to Cook with Fire, is a must-have. The book is filled with nearly 100 recipes that celebrate the art of grilling, from main dishes to sides, desserts, and even cocktails. One standout recipe that captures Citrin's culinary philosophy is the Cabbage Baked in Embers with Yogurt, Sumac, and Lemon Zest.
A Favorite Recipe from the Cookbook
This distinctive appetizer turns humble cabbage into a smoky, tender masterpiece, paired with a tangy yogurt sauce for the perfect balance of flavors. Here’s how to prepare it:
Ingredients:
Large green cabbage
Olive oil
Sea salt
Greek yogurt
Fresh chives
Lemon zest
Lemon juice
Sumac
Instructions:
Prepare the Cabbage: Rub the cabbage with olive oil and generously season it with sea salt.
Cook in Embers: Bury the cabbage in hot coals and cook for about an hour, until the outer leaves are charred and the interior is tender.
Make the Sauce: Mix Greek yogurt with finely chopped chives, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of sumac.
Serve: Quarter the cooked cabbage, remove the core, and serve with the yogurt sauce on the side.
This dish exemplifies Citrin’s knack for turning simple ingredients into show-stopping creations, proving that vegetables can shine just as brightly as meats on the grill.
Discover Charcoal
Whether you’re savoring a meal at the restaurant or exploring the recipes in Citrin’s cookbook, Charcoal offers an invitation to rediscover the primal joy of cooking with fire. Visit Charcoal in Los Angeles for a dining experience that’s equal parts comforting and extraordinary, and bring the spirit of the grill to your home with Charcoal: New Ways to Cook with Fire.
