West Hollywood: Checking Out the Romantic Esterel

 

The Sofitel has relaunched the Esterel Restaurant with all-new decor. Le Jardin (The Garden) is an oasis with colorful patterns, gorgeous foliage and the perfect nook for a first date or the 100th date.

 

I checked it out for dinner one night starting with drinks which came from the lounge, Riviera 31. The Verger is a beautiful and glam drink to have on the patio.

Verger – Nolet’s gin, blood orange, cardamon, grapefruit

 

 

Is cauliflower the new kale? I’ve seen cauliflower popping up lately as the new it veggie. Get it done like a “steak” which just means grilled. I found this to be a little awkward for an appetizer and would probably eat this as a side to a main dish. Perhaps the steak.

 

It’s definitely zucchini season as I’ve spotted a ton of zucchini around town. Esterel shapes ’em up into beignets. It’s a great starter or snack while deciding what to get. I asked the chef about the healthy grain bowl and he mentioned he had a lot of hotel guests searching for healthier options. This seems like a great service for those who want to stay on the lighter side.

 

Everyone loved the tuna tartare which disappeared in minutes.

 

For those who don’t like tequila much less its smokier cousin, mezcal, try the Zephyr. The mango-based drink has a bit of spice from the pink peppercorn. It comes with a cute ice ball as well.

Zephyr – Mezcal El Silencio espadin, mango, pink peppercorn

 

I really wanted to try the octopus a la plancha. I really enjoy the tentacles!

 

I’m so glad my friend is just like me and loves trying meatballs around town (not as dirty as it sounds). Esterel’s are great with a nice bed of cous cous.

 

I was debating between the lobster which came out beautifully plated but I opted for the steak. I didn’t realize it’d come with sauce. I’m not much of a sauce person. The steak also comes with grits. I’d probably go for the roast chicken next time. I had a bite and that was tender and juicy. Or perhaps the squid ink pasta. For those who like pasta just a bit softer than al dente, Esterel served up a good version with mussels, clams and prawns.

 

Everyone was raving about the farro macaroni, Esterel’s very sophisticated mac and cheese. The pasta is made from farro flour. When I first spied it on the menu, I imagined it to be whole grains with cheese sauce but not so. This is way better than my imagination.

 

When I visited Esterel, I was dreaming of New Orleans. I felt happy to have had their creme brulee beignets, a fun spin on a traditional beignet. Be sure to get some berry sauce to go with your beignets.

 

When I chose the black chocolate cake, I didn’t know I had signed up for a show as well. After removing the dome, our server drizzled an orange creme anglaise sauce on the cake which already featured a deeply colored hibiscus gelee. Really great presentation.

Whether you go to the lounge at Riviera 31, sit in the garden, the main restaurant or hire out the private nook in the back, Esterel is a fun new spot to hang out. I might go for a small plates dinner to share outside and keep to entrees inside the restaurant next time.

Esterel at the Sofitel Hotel

8555 Beverly Blvd.,  Los Angeles, CA 90048  —  (424) 284-8314

 

© The Minty 2015