Filling Up at Ford's Filling Station

Remember when Culver City was more of a bedroom community than a dining scene? Sure it always had Tito's Tacos and Johnnie's Pastrami, but there were few options for having an amazing dining experience on Main Street, and Helms Bakery was a place you ordered furniture, not a fancy burger and a beer. Then came along Ford's Filling Station.

Ford's was the Westside's first real gastropub, focusing on hearty American fare. Executive Chef and owner, Ben Ford, who is known for foraging and preparing amazing feasts, introduced us to seasonal, meat-focused dishes in a warm and humble setting. It was a place to meet friends over drinks and great food. Quaint and quiet Culver City was never the same again, and that's a good thing!

Last Summer Ford's closed its doors permanently but opened in a new location. Sorry Culver City, but congratulations Downtown! Inside the Marriott at L.A. LIVE, you can find the new Ford's Filling Station - showcasing Chef Ben Ford's regional "gastropub" fare that focuses on artisanal meats and fresh produce. Southern influenced cuisine and tender, flavorful meats that are smoked onsite are the focus. The drinks crafted by Dushan Zaric of New York's famed Employees Only bar, are unique and pair perfectly with the food. Try the New York Sour made with bourbon and a float of Malbec wine on top, or their take on the Old Fashioned, made with two kinds of tequila - a unique twist on this classic drink.

The food is as good as I remember from Culver City, if not better! Chef Ben Ford is still very hands on and is at the restaurant making sure his dishes are perfect. When you visit, start with the Ham N' Biscuit board served with two white cheddar-bacon biscuits and domestic artisanal hams. Nothing goes to waste here because for spread on the biscuits you get tallow from the ham instead of butter. Other small bites to order are the bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese, which are truly one of the best I've had.

Of course Ford's famous "Fat Jack" Burger is still on the menu, as well as delicious flatbread pizzas, but the Charred Skirt Steak is one of the standouts. It's influenced by the Peruvian dish Lomo Saltado, so you get those savory flavors from the peppers and aji sauce.

There's no doubt Ford's Filling Station is a great place to eat or grab a drink when your at L.A. LIVE. With a second outpost at LAX in the Delta Terminal, it's great to see it go from a small neighborhood spot on the Westside to an LA staple.

La Mikana: Fords Gin, grapefruit cordial, rosemary, Bortolotti DOCG extra dry brut prosecco

New York Sour: Bakers Bourbon, lemon, simple syrup, tikal natural, and Malbec wine.

Ham N' Biscuit Board: domestic ham, potted ham, white cheddar-bacon biscuits

Bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese and mozzarella.

"Fat Jack" Bacon Burger: Angus Chuck patty, jack cheese,
avocado, grilled onions, pickles, tomato, not-so-secret-sauce, on brioche. Ask for a side of the house bbq sauce too!