Saturday, July 14, 2007

Los Angeles Restaurants: Prix Fixe Menus

More on restaurants in Los Angeles. Gayot keeps a list of special and ongoing resautants events (e.g., set menus). Personally, I find that taking advantage of a great restaurant's prix fixe menu is a fun way to get an outrageously good meal at a fraction of the price of the a la carte menu. The menu's usually clever, well thought out, and delicious. One of our most memorable meals was a Hawaiian meal at Lucques that cost us less than half of what it would have cost otherwise. Careful with the drinks though...that's where they can get ya ;-)

Gayot's list isn't comprehensive, but I found a posting on Chowhound that has a few more fun listings, though you might want to call ahead to assure the special is still running since it was posted in Feb 2007. I've posted our current favorites, along with ones we're seriously considering, and I've included updated prices and other information. Additionally, given our current requirements, I noted whether or not they have high chairs, which every restaurant had except for Josie, for which I am very disappointed. Also, if we've been to the restaurant and had a good experience as a party of 3, I've noted that we found it kid-friendly (with a well-behaved infant). That said, I have not listed any restaurants where we've ever had a bad experience.

The following are a few favorites:

MONDAY

CAMPANILE Monday Night Dinner - 3 courses for $40pp. Family style meals using "season's finest ingredients." The month's menu is posted online at the beginning of the month. High chairs available, kid-friendly. 624 La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles (323) 938-1447

JIRAFFE Monday Night Bistro Night - 3 courses for $35pp. They go a little casual with paper table cloths, candle lamps, lighter meals, and carafes of wine. Menu updated weekly online. High chairs available. 501 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica (310) 917-6671


TUESDAY

CUIDAD Paella on the Patio - 3 courses for $29pp, including appetizer, salad, and your choice of paella. Spanish wines and sparkling White Sangria are available by the glass. High chairs available, kid-friendly, and a good level of ambiant noise (e.g., not too quiet). 445 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90071 (213) 486-5171

eat. on sunset 3 courses for $22pp. Formerly known at Pinot Hollywood, which we loved. High chairs available. Menu updated weekly. 1448 N. Gower St., Hollywood (323)461-8800.

VIOLET "7 before 7" - Tuesdays through Thursdays, Violet chef Jared Simons is offering seven dishes before 7 p.m. for $7 a piece. We've heard nothing but good things, but we haven't been yet. Menu looks excellent. High chairs available. 3221 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica (310) 453-9113

WEDNESDAY

JOSIE 3 course prix fixe menu features food purchased at the Farmer's Market that morning. Prices average $30-35, but vary depending on the ingredients. Menus tend to focus a bit more on game, but if you're willing to try it, I'm sure you'll be impressed. High chairs are NOT available. 2424 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405 (310) 581-9888

THURSDAY

ANGELI CAFE Thursday Night Dinners - Food's served family style at long tables, and dinner starts at 7PM. The chef/owner Evan Kleinman loves food and hosts KCRW's Good Food Saturday mornings. $30pp; special dinners may run higher. High chairs available. 7274 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood (323) 936-9086

CAMPANILE Grilled Cheese Thursday nights - Variety of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Book ahead as it gets pretty busy. High chairs available, kid-friendly. 624 La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles (323) 938-1447

SUNDAY

LUCQUES Sunday Night Supper - 3 courses for $40pp. Great food, expensive drinks. Menu updated weekly online. High chairs available. 8474 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles (323) 655-6277

VIOLET Sunday Night Dinner - 3 courses for $25, plus a bottomless glass of wine for $10 extra. Simons is also serving complimentary cookies and milk to end each meal. High chairs available. 3221 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica (310) 453-9113

CUIDAD Tapas Night - An all tapas night and Spanish wines by the glass. Great Latin food. High chairs available, kid-friendly, and a good level of ambiant noise (e.g., not too quiet). 445 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles (213) 486-5171

DAILY

PATINA Business Lunch - 2 courses for $25pp. Available Monday-Friday only. 141 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles (213) 972-3331

JOE'S Daily 3-course prix fixe lunch menu (closed Mondays), is a great deal at $17pp. 3-course prix fixe dinner menu also availalbe, but runs a bit pricier (~$65). 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice (310) 399-5811

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