Plugs — Meghann Stephenson

L.A. food and drink recs from an oil painter

Plugs is The Angel’s recs column. Every week, you’ll get six picks—a restaurant, a bar, a shop, an ingredient, a person, and a treat—from someone in Los Angeles who knows what they’re talking about. (Plugs are for paid subscribers of The Angel only. However, if you’re in the restaurant industry and want a free subscription, hit me up. :))

#27 is Meghann Stephenson, a wickedly talented oil painter who lives and works in Los Angeles. Originally from the DMV, Meghann and her husband settled down on the Eastside after a decade in New York City. Food is a recurrent theme in her work: a platter of oysters, a single halved fig, a bowl of perfect, pierced cherries. But more so, her paintings are sharp, emotional, technically brilliant, even cunty. She’s one to watch. Here are her Plugs!

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Restaurant — Ètra

A new spot that quickly became a favorite — thanks, Emily! The first night we went, the pasta machine wasn’t working, so we ordered almost everything but the pasta to share. I dream about the ricotta meatballs and their perfectly delicate but bright marinara drizzled with olive oil. The scampi is also a favorite, halved and broiled with breadcrumbs. The setting is perfect for a casual date night: cozy, just the right level of dimmed lights and excellent wood-paneled walls.

Ètra scampi. Photo by Meghann Stephenson.