Might Have Just Become My New Favorite Restaurant in LA - Fine Dining with No Fuss

Words can't express... but I will try. There are two tasting menu options: a 4-course ($100) or 7-course ($125) tasting menu plus dessert. (You can also order a la carte now.) You can have wine pairings or not (special "wine collection" pairings cost more but are worth it if you're ready to go all out). All you learn about the menu before it is served is the basis for the course (the protein, risotto, etc.) - because it's much better to "describe the painting as you're looking at it than over the phone."

For a fine dining restaurant, the decor is particularly whimsical, but not to the point of distraction - we sat at the chef's table in a semi-private room with windows into the kitchen and the wine cellar, clear "hippie" beads separating us from the next dining room, and wine labels hanging from the ceiling's light fixture by mini binder clips.

Despite those eclectic touches, the service was completely on point (one-to-one server to diner ratio and lots of attention from the sommelier) and the food was divine. Spot prawns with grapefruit and asparagus, succulent pork belly with cipollini onions and roasted peaches, rare salmon with carrot puree, beef with kabocha squash gnocchi. We requested a cheese course in addition to dessert, so before having our strawberry bomb (strawberry sorbet covered in white chocolate cake covered in lemon meringue surrounded by strawberry coulis), we had a duo of raw epoisses over bread crumbs and epoisses ice cream. Epoisses ice cream!! I've died and gone to heaven.

There was also a lovely tempura amuse (squash blossoms and clams), a dreamy selection of homemade breads and fresh butter, and dark chocolates (white pepper and fresh mint) to finish the meal. They also sent us ladies off with a package of homemade salted caramels. All that, and I don't feel oppressively full. (And, PS, valet is free - as is bottled water - and they automatically include an 18% tip on your bill.) Run, don't walk, to make a reservation - you will not regret it!