Now I’ve had to wait for a table at a restaurant. But I’ve never had to wait to put my name on the list. But, I guess that’s LA.
Bottega Louie is a glass walled building with an all white interior. It’s the epitome of chic. The dessert cases are stocked with bright and luscious desserts. I wanted to eat the green and purple frosting-ed eclairs right on the spot. Even the macaroon trees were elegantly displayed on the dessert counter.
With all of the beautiful people milling around, drinking, eating and talking, I could tell the wait would be a long one.
But I wasn’t prepared for a two-hour wait. My friends and I snagged a table in the bar/waiting area and ordered drinks and appetizers.
Their portobello mushroom fries and tuna niçoise crostini appetizers only made me want to get to dinner that much quicker.
Although our service at the bar was very attentive, after nearly two-hours of waiting, we had to say something. The host is a very powerful man standing at an ornate table, taking down names in a think red book. But even the powerful need a hint. So, we stood by the table until we were seated.
It may sound cliché to say at this point that the restaurant was worth the wait. But, it was. Once we sat down our server was prompt and handsome, just the way my friends and I like it.
Five of us shared two salads and one pizza, which was the exact right amount of food.
The Louie, comprised of iceberg lettuce, jumbo shrimp, hearts of palm, avocado, sweet onions, tomatoes, bell peppers and Dijon vinaigrette was smaller than the Mache salad. The Mache, is made of mache, frisée, roasted chicken, avocado, celery, green onion, lemon and extra virgin olive oil. Mache is a bit fresher and more refreshing than the Louie, but both are equally delicious.
The pizza however, was the star of the night - until we tasted the macaroons that is. We decided on the Burrata, which includes burrata cheese, prosciutto, rapini (a slightly bitter leaf) and granna parmesan.
The dough was perfect and the ingredients complemented each other perfectly.
Then came the dessert. Although the chocolate soufflé was being served at the next table over and the waiter pouring what looked like white chocolate over the souffle was enticing, we decided on the macaroons.
To be fair, I’m a tea lover. I drink iced tea like I’m a camel in the Sahara. On cold mornings hot tea is my go to. Whether it’s black, white, green or a combination, I love tea.
When I saw the Earl Grey macaroon, my decision was made. It was heaven. It was just an added bonus that the macaroon sparkled. Just the right amount of tea flavor in a light, yet moist cake. It was so good I didn’t even notice the taste of the filling. Which, if I remember looked like it was chocolate, and I’m a professed chocaholic. I was speechless the dessert was so amazing.
Dinner itself took about two hours, because we were just so excited to have an actual table. Overall, it was a fun night with a delicious menu.
Where:
700 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 802-1470
