MelanieB's Profile
Client dinner recs?
Going to be in town from California and need to take a high maintenance client who has celiac's disease (so cannot have gluten) out to dinner. Something nice that will be accommodating of someone who is likely to be very cranky with the waitstaff if they screw up her dietary restrictions. I was thinking the restaurant at the Driskill but would love to try something new. Any recommendations?
Thanks a million!
Henry's Hat - we'll be back!
You know, I thought I loved Henry's Hat until I went there last night. I'd been a few times before (since I love Luna Park, its sister restaurant), and it was usually pretty empty. Recently they added table service, I assume because even when it was empty, ordering everything at the bar was a challenge.
Last night it was packed, and I was happy to see them doing good business. But we had the most abysmal service ever - from a cute blonde who was so adept at avoiding eye contact (and ignoring as I would say "excuse me" or try to flag her down when she was at a nearby table). A few times I got up to get ketchup or another glass of wine directly from the bar because it wasn't worth the effort to get her attention. All items that we tried to modify at all came out wrong (peach cobbler w/o the ice cream due to an allergy came out with ice cream, medium well burger was literally bloody), which was hard to remedy without a server. And when the time game to get the check, we waited 10 minutes before we realized she was sitting at a table outside and just got that from the bar too. (I have nothing against anyone taking a break, but for goodness sakes, someone else should cover the table.) When I told the bartender I thought our server was on a break, she said, "oh no, that's the owner." I was aghast. I can't imagine an owner would care so little about offering decent service.
Honestly, the whole experience was very upsetting. If I had an off night and it was because of a waitress who didn't care much or someone in the kitchen who wasn't paying close attention, I'd happily forgive (it's hard to find good help, as they say). But having such a lousy experience with the owner really makes me reluctant to send any of my dining dollars in her direction.
Saturday dinner near LACMA
I'm a big fan of Luna Park, and it's been much slower since the recession kicked in(slow enough at least that if you make a reso, you don't have to worry about waiting half an hour for your table anymore).
Best pickles
Ciudad serves a DELICIOUS side of pickled veggies with their El Cubano sandwich - celery, green beans, peppers, etc.
Best surf n turf in LA?
price not a factor. we live near the hollywood bowl, so we'd like to stay east of the 405 -- bh, weho, hollywood, downtown, and even the closer parts of the valley are game.
Best Italian (money no object) in L.A. area for a VERY picky eater
Sadly you can cross All'Angelo off the list -- they fell victim to the recession and are closed. Hoping that darling Stefano takes another crack at a place again soon. :-(
Best surf n turf in LA?
Sweet, low-maintenance boyfriend's request for his birthday: steak with lobster tail, creamed spinach, and chocolate cake. Where's the best place to go? I love Morton's but would like to try somewhere now. Mastro's? The Palm? That new Wolfgang Z place? Please help!
PS - He's a little too down-to-earth for Cut - plus, the last time I had a surf n turf craving there, I had to order a whole lobster.
Thanks!
