What economic turndown? Los Angeles restaurants were jammed last weekend when Womantraveler cavorted for food and wine experiences. Despite recession fears, it took three weeks to get a late (for LA) reservation for three at Fraiche in Culver City, which was full when we arrived for the 8:45 pm call and hopping until we left at 11-ish. We were delighted with our appetizers and main courses, including baby beets salad, monkfish "francaise," steak frites and papparadelle (and, naturellement, to add to the luster, a real French server).
Earlier in the day for brunch at The Rose Cafe in Venice (on the Santa Monica border), there was also a short wait for the popular neighborhood haunt (and where egg-white omelets compete with any I've had ever). An impromptu call to Campanile for Sunday brunch worked but tables stayed
filled with comers and goers of all ages, including families with young children. Campanile (meaning "clock tower") and its next-door partner La Brea Bakery have been stylish stalwarts since 1989,
occupying a onetime Charlie Chaplin space that suggests LA fantasies with cool, comfort, creative menus and attentive service.
We are not naive. We know that people are spending their money on essentials, not optionals, but among those accustomed to eating out, dining in great restos is an essential. Let's hope it continues.
Other recommended upscale casual West Side LA dining tips -- and definitely call ahead for reservations:
- Bottle Rock wine bar in Culver City
- Upstairs 2 (with wine-compatible dinners Wed-Sat only), an addition to The Wine House, LA's largest wine store, on Cotner Ave. just off the 101 Freeway
- JiRaffe Restaurant in Santa Monica, a terrific venue for prix fixe dinners at the Monday Night Bistro ($38 a person and reduced quality wines) -- and always popular for business dinners
