The Dining Diva did Simon LA, hosted by a friend who also does public relations for the operation. The food was better than ever; not that it wasn’t good during earlier samplings, but most things improve with age and this is no exception.
There was also a noticeable increase in business with most of the tables occupied by couples, friends and a few business people dining solo with only their WiFi hooked up laptops and glasses of wine.
I love the room with its comfy booths encased in filigreed wood screens, the open kitchen, the dual glass enclosed wine towers and the warm ambiance.
We took our time. Richard ordered a Martini ($12) to start which he rated a 9 on a scale of 1 to 10. I selected a bottle of Matanzas Creek 2006 Chard ($54) to sip and share during dinner.
The winter menu (it changes seasonally) has something for every taste and it was really difficult to zero in a few choices. But we managed. I started with hamachi crudo ($16), mixed with wild rocket, Serrano peppers, yuzu and herbs, it was a good as I had in Tahiti and Hawaii (where heretofore were the best I’d ever eaten). Richard opted for the roasted young beets salad ($12) served with laura chenel and goat cheese and was quite pleased with his choice.
We also shared a yellow fin tuna tartare which chef does with lemongrass oil and delicate ginger rice crisps on which to spread the tartare. It was really great ($16).
My entrée pick was the bamboo steamed fish ($32), which I’ve had before. The night’s fish du jour was halibut and it was steamed with lemon grass, ginger, kaffir lime and bok choy. 
The recipe was delicious but the fish was a little over-cooked, but not enough to send it back.
Richard went carnivore with the harissa braised lamb shank ($30) served with whole wheat couscous and green olives—he loved every bite.
We finished with pumpkin cheesecake and a chocolate Grenache that came with a mini milk shake, both $9. I loved the cheesecake which was light with heavy pumpkin flavor. Richard enjoyed the Grenache.
Simon LA at the Sofitel, 8555 Beverly Blvd. (just across the street from Beverly Center in case you want to shop before you drop in), 310-358-3979. For menus and more information go to: www.simonlarestaurant.com. For hotel rates and information check out: www.sofitellosangeles.com.
http://tinyurl.com/yjv6jwy 2 minutes ago via web
