Cecconi's

The newest restaurant in town is a British import.  Cecconi's is the hot spot of West Hollywood for now.  I went on a Sunday night - the bar was full of gold diggers and the men they want to sleep with.  I had a reservation and was seated immediately in a charming two-top set in french doors looking onto the patio.  This was the perch for people watching.  The decor matched the glitzy diners - with turquoise leather seats, crystal chandeliers, and white and black marble floors.  

The wait for our server to greet us became too long, so the floor manager came to greet us with water and to take our drink order.  Soon after, our server - a cheerful, chimpmunk-like woman - came to explain the specials.  Unfortunately, we were again greeted by the manager after a wait to take our order.  It seemed as if the glitterati-filled, eight-top next to us was demanding the time of our server, and their own.  Our server had suggested the risotto as a particular favorite, so my companion and I both ordered a different risotto - mine the summer squash with aged balsamic, his the special of truffled risotto.  The manager very stealthily suggested to my companion that the risotto may not be enough, so we ordered the side of arugula and parmesan.  

My risotto was delicious, light and perfectly suited for the change of seasons.  My companion's risotto was good, but not worth the $40 we were later charged.  Beware the specials - the risotto on special was more than twice what we paid for the risotto on the menu.  The risotto dishes turned out to be more than enough for both of us, but as my companion observed for his meal it was nice to have the small salad as a change of flavor from the overwhelming truffle taste.  

Our server was relieved of some of her duties from the table next to us, so we got her for the end of the meal and dessert.  However, we were disappointed to learn that the ricotta cheesecake we wanted might or might not have nuts in the crust (my companion is allergic) as it was a new dish and the pastry chef was not in we could not be sure.  We passed on dessert; got our check; and went to get the car from valet.  Disclaimer: the valet only accepts cash; there is no ATM within walking distance; and the host was disinclined to make change.  We had just enough to pay for the valet, but no tip.  The party behind us didn't have the cash to pay for the valet.  Moral of the story - bring cash, bring glasses for people watching, and bring patience if you are a nobody.  

Cecconi's 

8764 Melrose Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 

310.432.2000

http://www.cecconiswesthollywood.com/

FIG Restaurant

"We are fully committed this evening," explained the hostess over the phone.  This comment was a first for me - an attempt to sound polite came across as if we were trying to get a table at the newest, hottest mental institution.  In the end, I was able to secure a table for late evening.

My guests and I arrived about 15 minutes early, desperately hoping to grab a table earlier.  No such luck, but we came back at our scheduled time (after checking out the 100+ year-old fig tree, the restaurant's namesake - truly amazing) and were told that we would probably not be seated for another 30 minutes past our reservation.  Starving, we snagged a seat at the farmer's table, first-come, first-served.  

We were greeted by a pleasant, professional server in a denim shirt and Levi's - an attempt to remind the patrons of the farm-fresh ingredients and simple, Midwestern values.  The food was incredibly fresh and crisp, but my veggie dish was a little underseasoned.  The pork shoulder was unmemorable - even though, as we were informed, the pigs were fed on acorns, which supposedly makes a silky, lean texture - lean but no silk.  P.S. Can meat be silky?  The scallops of one of my companions were a little underdone for her taste, but slowly cooked on the hot plate.  The highlight of the meal was the individual, mini french loaves with arugula and oil spread - like the onomatopoeia of fresh in your mouth.  

The atmosphere and decor were understated.  It didn't quite match the country garb of the waitstaff, but was simplistic enough that they worked together.  I would recommend trying to reserve one of the cabana-esque tables that they have at the front of the restaurant - and call EARLY, or they may be committed.

FIG Restaurant Santa Monica

101 Wilshire Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 

310.319.3111

http://www.figsantamonica.com/