Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Nick and Stef's Steakhouse + + + + $$$

Who? Andrew, Michellios
Where? 4th and Hope, Wells Fargo Center

There seem to be many nice restaurants nestled in the tall buildings in downtown L.A. and this is no exception. A very modern, upbeat, dimly lit, high-ceilinged, yet simply decorated dining environment. We went as part of DineLA and ordered off the $34 menu. Service was a bit slow but friendly. The beet salad was sweet and delicious. The bread was ordinary. Rub on the sirloin steak was to my taste and a good cut of meat, but it came medium-well rather than medium-rare. Accompanying spinach leaves are very good, and the pureed potatoes are rich and creamy (OK), and the grilled glazed asparagus was fresh (Michelle said too sweet). Rotisserie chicken is crazy sized (full half chicken). The meat is very moist and rub was also to my liking (although Michelle said it was too salty). Bread pudding dessert is nice, not too sweet, and the gelato is nice way to finish with its mystery crispy flakes inside. Parking is free, validated with complimentary valet. Thumbs up!

Saturday, February 02, 2008

Napa Valley Grill + + + + 1/2 $$$

Who? Michellios+Wendy, Andrew
Where? Westwood Village, Glendon and Kinross

A beautiful restaurant in the middle of Westwood Village - great ambiance and decor, modern and upscale. A fantastic place to try as part of DineLA restaurant week. Foccacia bread is served with eggplant - unique and quite delicious. Best versions of dishes I've ever tasted: Sea Scallops on Hummus and Orange Blood Pudding. How good was it? Michelle said she'd never liked scallops at all, but the appetizer made her change her mind. Excellent: Rack of Lamb (very tender and juicy) served with the freshest peas-in-pod I ever tasted. The swordfish is also very good, I particularly like the braised vegetables that came with it - light and refreshing. Wine flights look cool. Pinot Noir 2005 Jekel is decent - bouquet>flavour. Parking next door $7.00. Server Jason was very good - order came out wrong but he fixed it promptly and without incident. Kitchen was slow in preparing entrees (long wait). Overall thumbs high up.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Rosti + + + $

Who? Michellios and Andrew
Where? Montana and 8th, Santa Monica

Nice little dine-in/take-out restaurant with high ceilings and tiled floors - plain and simple. Burger Panini on sourdough bread is quite good but accompanying potato wedges are a bit dry. Wide assortment of teas available. Parking is by luck (perhaps one finds a meter).

Friday, January 11, 2008

Takami * * * * $$$

Who? Themos, Dora, Gina, Stavros
Where? Downtown
How much? $52

This newly opened place is very unique. It is located in the 21st floor in a downtown skyscraper, with indoor as well as outdoor seating, hence the views are beautiful. It offers a one-of-a-kind choice from 3 different cuisines, namely sushi, fusion and robatas (the meat stuff), so it's like dining in three restaurants simultaneously! The food is very good, service is great and friendly, yet the prices are a little on the high side since the portions are relatively small. Therefore go for the taste, not to satisfy your hunger. All this in combination with an excessive wine list and a lounge next door makes this the perfect date place. Parking is valet only, $7.