Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Figaro Bistrot Avec Mes Amis

I recently had friends in town and wanted to show them the best spots in LA - especially for dining out. I took them to Katsuya in Hollywood and Don Antonio's in Santa Monica, but on our last night together, my plans came to a fumbling halt when opentable.com denied our request for reservations at Taste on Melrose. After dealing with the frustration that is technology, I decided to look for a spot closer to home that would impress both by way of edibles and environment: Figaro Bistrot.

The French restaurant features a dimly lit interior filled with antique-mirror donning walls and miscellaneous chandeliers, low lounge-like tables and plush overstuffed chairs to match. The mood and environment are laid back, yet luxurious.


The food is right on par with the decor. It's rich, flavorful and aesthetically pleasing to boot. I ordered the French Onion soup to start, and was happily surprised to enjoy the soup past the melted cheese and bread topping that usually serves as my sole excuse for ordering a bowl. The Parmesan-encrusted Alaskan Halibut trumped all other seafood I've consumed as of late, arriving atop a crispy risotto cake served in a lemon garlic aioli sauce. Both the fish and risotto cake were cooked to perfection.


The menu is (by no surprise) en Francais, with English descriptions below each item; perfect for those of us who have peu d'expérience with the foreign language. But even if you mistakenly order le poisson instead of le poulet, you won't be disappointed. Nothing can pacify the enjoyment a meal shared with friends exchanging jokes and memories over the flickering flames of slow burning candles.

Keep your eyes open, too, when you you're at Figaro Bistrot. We happened to spot former 90210-er Lindsay Price. She's just as pretty in real life as she was on "Lipstick Jungle."

7 comments:

  1. Is this place on Vermont? I always walk by and see the people at the outdoor tables, sipping wine and people watching. Looks like it's a popular spot for a reason. :)

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  2. Beautiful presentation of the halibut and rissoto!

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  3. My favorite French restaurant west of Paris. This place is outstanding! Thanks for reviewing..

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  4. Great description K!!

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  5. Yet another place I've been wanting to try for some time! Definitely on my "to try" list.

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  6. Hey K, that French onion soup looks delish. I'm hungry now too. You are your friends look fabulous! I'll have to check this place out.

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  7. Atmosphere & good food are the perfect combination for a perfect evening. Both the food and decor look inviting. I might add, I too enjoy ordering French Onion soup for the melted cheese and bread topping!

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