Dining Out

Review

La Cachette almost hidden in a mostly residential area in Los Angeles (near Century City) it is truly a gem. This fine restaurant has been highly rated for the past several years by my bible of fine dining, "The Zagat Guide". So, in order to celebrate my recent birthday (I won't say which one <g>) it was time to make a reservation. This was to be my 1st visit to this restaurant.....I hope that I have the opportunity to make several more visits. It is always an adventure when trying out new dining establishments, but, in the case of La Cachette it was to be a most pleasurable experience. We arrived on time for our 7:30 pm reservations and were seated immediately. This was a plus point straight away (I hate having to wait for an hour when I have made reservations and have arrived on time). The lighting level was low, but, not not so low that one could not read the menu. The wine list contained a nice variety of wines from a low of $30 to $600 + at the high end. I selected a '96 Australian Shiraz from Sandalford at $51.00 per bottle. The waiter arrived with a Pinot Noir....I pointed out the error and asked to see the wine list again....fearing that I had given him the wrong bin number. He quickly arrived with the correct wine, and explained that the cellar had made the mistake. The wine proved to be an excellent choice....I hope to add a few bottles to my own stock of wine, if I can find it at a good price. The waiter explained the several specials that were available that night...they all sounded delicious, but, we had already decided on some of the menu items. For appetizers, my dining companion selected a Potato and Leek Soup whilst I selected the Crispy Provencal Tart with Oven Dried Tomatoes and Ruille. Both were delicious. The main course selections were, for my companion the Black Angus Filet of Beef with Black Pepper and Balsamic Cabernet Sauce served with Crispy Potatoes, Haricot Verts and Baked Shallots in the Skin. I choose the New Zealand Farm Raised Venison Filet Mignon in Cabernet Blueberry Sauce served with Chestnut and Celery Root Puree and Crispy Meat Mushroom Ravioli. Both entrees came as ordered (well done, without being cremated) and they were very flavourable and absolutely delicious. For dessert, we both choose the Pineapple Coconut Creme Brulee.....the best Creme Brulee that I have ever had. We finished the meal with a very nice coffee. It was, without a doubt,a meal to remember. Food was A+, service was B++ and ambience was B to B+. My only criticism would be that the tables are placed a little to close together and the noise level was a little high. My opinion.....Patina is no longer number one in the LA area, it has been replaced by Antenello's and La Cachette (joint number one in my book). More reviews to come, please stay tuned.