Andrew Kirschner, the chef formerly of Wilshire and Table 8, embarks upon his first solo venture with Tar & Roses, a casually chic Santa Monica eatery serving a modern, rustic American cuisine.A tantalizing menu starts with bruschetta, charcuterie and cheese, and continues on to four main categories: snacks, veggies, and small and large plates. Standout items include charred octopus skewers with salsa verde and piquillo pepper aïoli; wood-fired duck egg with gigante beans, tomato and guanciale; hangar steak with wood-roasted duck-fat potatoes and romesco; and braised red fish with chanterelles, borlotti beans and tomato. Exotic family-style platters, such as wood-fired goat with Moroccan accompaniments, can be ordered five days in advance for parties of four or more. A combination of vintage and rough-hewn décor elements with the new and refined create an eclectic vibe. 602 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.587.0700. tarandroses.com