Quick bites: Spoonful's Southern soul on Caheunga

seared red snapper with black eyed pea succotash

Quick Bites are EatingLA's express way to introduce a new or new-to-me restaurant, bar or menu.

What: Spoonful is "traditional Southern with Los Angeles flair" from Georgia native Frank Foley.
Where: 3413 Cahuenga Blvd West, in the former Henry's Hat location near Universal Studios,  phone: 323-512-4800
Open since: mid-November, 2012
The goods: Open for dinner during the week and brunch and lunch as well on weekends, Spoonful has a warm interior with a large bar and lounge as well as patio dining in front and a separate side dining room. Bourbon is a specialty of the bar program. Prices are reasonable with entrees runing $14-$17.

Short ribs are topped with "leek hay." Sweet potato polenta is buttery and satisfying.

Recommended dishes: Jalapeno corn bread, braised pork belly appetizer, short ribs with sweet potato polenta, red snapper with black-eyed pea succotash, collard greens.
Skip it: Macaroni 'n cheese is too rich and greasy for its own good.
Possibility of return visit: Maybe -- it's an ideal spot to meet someone in-between the Valley and Hollywood.

(This was a comped press dinner.)