A New York Steakhouse in Los Angeles
By
Carol & Joe Davis
Dining Detectives
We
have roots in both Los Angeles and New York so the logical place
to dine in Los Angeles would be a New York Steakhouse. Add to
that, we were staying at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel downtown
there was no better choice then go up the enclosed glass elevator
from our comfortable 29th floor room to L.A. Prime on the 35th
floor. We were immediately impressed by the panoramic views of
the tall buildings in Los Angeles and the view of the hills. The
décor in the restaurant is sleek and has both cozy, romantic
booths and tables that all have spectacular views.
We
ordered Perrier Sparkling Water, enjoyed the live French music
and perused the menu. Our first course was the most outstanding
Soup a L'Oignon Gratinee Onion Soup with gruyere cheese and baguette
croutons that we had ever tasted! The appetizers were both delicious.
The Escargots de Bourgogne were Burgundy Snails in shell with
butter, parsley and garlic that were excellent and the Duo de
Foie Gras Chaud et Froid which was Rougie pan seared Foie Gras
served with brioche croutons, spinach and brandied wine sauce
and foie gras tourchon served with brioche toast and caramelized
pears was spectacular. We enjoyed the 2007 Raymond Napa Valley
Sauvignon Blanc which paired perfectly
A
basket of five fresh and delicious breads including Lavash, Date
Nut, Pretzel, Cheese and Chibata was soon at our table. We ordered
Waiwera Sparkling water and looked at the menu. A cocktail is
always a great way to unwind, so we ordered Martinis which arrived
in wonderful oversized glasses. We particularly loved the Goose
a l'orange made with Grey Goose vodka and tangerine and fresh
lime juices. We settled in and enjoyed listening to the background
music including classics from the 1940's which made us feel like
we were in another place, at another time. We had noticed that
they have a Premium Vodka Bar and decided to order a flight with
recommendations from Bar Specialist Allen Aram. We tasted the
Ed Hardy from France, Sonnema from Holland and Monopowa from Austria.
We preferred the Sonnema which was smoother than the other two
and the most to our liking with the interesting herbal infusion.
Our
first course for dinner was their wonderful light Seafood Bisque.
Next, we had the Fresh Jumbo Lump Crab salad with nori aioli,
California avocado and Japanese cucumber relish. We also enjoyed
the organic red and golden beet salad with blue cheese, candied
pistachio, grapefruit garnish and sherry emulsion. It was pungent
and light and we appreciated their flexibility in allowing us
to have the blue cheese as a substitute for the standard goat
cheese. A sorbet intermezzo helped cleanse the pallet before the
main attraction.
We
loved the bone-in Delmonico dry aged 24 ounce Rib Eye steak which
came with roasted garlic and Daikon sprouts. The steak was medium
rare as ordered and had a wonderful seasoning. The Wine list is
impressive. We enjoyed the Duckhorn Decoy Meritage from the Napa
Valley which paired perfectly with the steaks. A side of their
luscious Creamed Corn off the cob was the perfect compliment to
the fabulous steaks. Lingering and watching the sun set from our
"above it all" 35th floor vantage point was perfect
with a hot and strong Espresso. The Vanilla Panna Cotta in a citrus
soup with mango and market berries for dessert was a perfect way
to complete our memorable dining experience. L.A. Prime has it
all. The Steaks, the View, the Sunset, the Service, the Cocktails.
We can't wait to return for another fabulous dining experience.
We love L. A..... Prime
L.A.
Prime
404 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213.612.4743
www.TheBonaventure.com
http://www.thebonaventure.com/dining/la_prime.cfm
