We were on time for our reservation, and we were shown to a decent inside table. We were given menus...
We were on time for our reservation, and we were shown to a decent inside table. We were given menus and a wine list. We were asked about drinks; all were delivered promptly. Our server (30-something, female, auburn hair in a bi-level cut) came over to answer a few menu qs. We ordered the bean soup and the scallop appetizer. They arrived quickly. The scallops were the best we'd had in LA -- tender, smoky, perfect and yowza-great hazelnut crunch on top. The soup was acceptable. We were fairly satisfied, a little intrigued, and ready to be happy. That's when it got bad. Our previously attentive server went AWOL. She never checked drink levels, never checked back on main courses or desserts, and even wandered back to our cup-less table about ten minutes after we'd finished dessert to offer us coffee. We were like, "Huh? Are you going to pour it into our hands?" The entrees were boring and onion- or fat-drenched. This restaurant was rated #1 by Los Angeles magazine a few weeks ago. WHAT??? When I ordered my entree, I asked the server to recommend a favorite. She said that I should choose the salmon. It was terrible. No balance, just fish and onion. My husband's short ribs were mainly cheap fat. After being ignored for about 40 minutes (my entree went back almost completely uneaten with no comment), we ordered dessert. We had the panna cotta. It was tolerable -- a nice brulee effect over the top. Lovely fresh fruit and candied ginger accompanying. Horrible combination of champagne and some kind of orange essence as a floater -- tasted like orange pop from a junior high soda machine. If you would like to spend $200 or so to be ignored and eat so-so food, please visit Lucques. If you would like a terrific meal , go a few doors down to Sona. We were there two weeks ago and couldn't have been more pleased with the eloquent, exciting menu and crazy-attentive service. I recommend Lucques for a glass of wine and the scallop appetizer at the bar. Nice fireplace. Gaze a bit, then leave.