Diners all over Los Angeles are taking advantage of dineLA week. At least that’s the hope anyway. Restaurants across the city are offering pre-fixe deals at pre-fixed prices. Lunches from $16-$28, dinners from $28-$44. Some deals, some not, and you may have to filter through some of the less inticing menu offerings.
For our first dineLA stop we checked in at one Chaya’s newest spots. Located in the City National Plaza, just steps from the Standard Hotel, Chaya Downtown’s Asian inspired decor is familiar if you’ve ever been to it’s other locations. But this location seems a little less stuffy than the BH location and a lot less of the wanna-be-hip beach crowd that the Venice location plays host to.
The Asian inspired, hip interior, showcases a large bar along one wall.
Downtown office workers and loft dwelling denizens converge for the French and Italian infused Japanese cuisine. Crudo, sushi, meat, salads and pasta, something for even the most finicky eater. People gather around the beautiful mirrored bar, order cocktails and small bites of fish. The space is big enough to accommodate large parties, but it’s not overly noisy. There is also a wonderful patio to enjoy the crisp Fall air… under the heaters of course for anything cooler than 72 degrees
Even though we are here for dineLA and expect to find a pre-fixe price of $36, we are presented with their 25th Anniversary menu. It’s been 25 years since the Bev Hills location opened, and they are celebrating with a killer deal. $25 for a 3 course meal throughout the month of October.
The 25th Anniversary Menu (click to biggify)
We started with the Pork and Duck Rillette ($5). A rich and salty combination of the two savory meats.
First course choices are Grilled Farmer’s Market Asparagus, served under a stack of house baked Jalapeno Foccaccia, Parmesan Reggiano, and Kalamata Olive Tapenade, a Gulf Shrimp Tempura Sushi Roll, or the Soupe du Jour, a smoky Salmon Chowder.
The Soupe du Jour, a smoky Salmon Chowder. Great flavor, not too heavy. (Soup is so hard to photograph FYI)
Grilled Farmer's Market Asparagus, served under a stack of house baked Jalapeno Foccaccia, Parmesan Reggiano, and Kalamata Olive Tapenade.
For your entree, choose from the Pinot Noir Braised Boneless Short Ribs, served over a Wild Mushroom and Fontina Cheese Macaroni, the Tai Snapper rapped around Pan Seared Hokkaido Scallops in a Lobster Curry Jus with Basmati rice, or an assortment of fresh Sashimi served over rice.
The Pinot Noir Braised Boneless Short Ribs, served over a Wild Mushroom and Fontina Cheese Macaroni.
Pan Seared Hokkaido Scallops wrapped with Tai Snapper in a Lobster Curry Jus over Basmati rice.
For dessert choose from a Creme Fraiche Panna Cotta with Honey Balsamic Caramelized Black Mission Figs and Medjool Dates, or a Flourless Chocolate Brownie with Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream, and a selection of Seasonal Sorbet.
Creme Fraiche Panna Cotta with Honey Balsamic Caramelized Black Mission Figs and Medjool Dates
We paired our meal with a bottle of Melville Pinot Noir that we brought along ($20 corkage) from our last trip up to Santa Barbara. The pinot paired great with our varied dishes of fish and beef. With the impeccable service, romantic ambiance, and outstanding food, we can’t wait to come back to try some of the other specials. Like the Monday only $35 “bento redux”, a wonderful combination with small bites of salad, sushi, fish, meat and cold sake. They even have a Saturday happy hour from 5-7pm featuring cocktails, sushi and appetizers all for under $4-$7.
Sounds like we got ourselves a new Saturday evening hangout.
Tue, Oct 6, 2009
Downtown LA, Food