The Penthouse at the Huntley Hotel
The second the elevator doors open you are part of the crush of humanity -- everyone has migrated over from Whist and Beechwood and they all want the same table you do.
We arrived at 7:35 for a 7:30 reservation and the hostess immediately quoted us ten minutes. Amazingly enough, they seated us ten minutes later, after we'd walked around the very large space. The views are gorgeous and they've tricked the joint out with all the of-the-moment extras: think fireplaces everywhere from the walls to the valet station.
We got a sweet and cute waiter named Ryan who offered to let my friend taste their one rose' by the glass ($15), which she liked enough to order. We also ordered a bottle of flat water, which he offered to keep cold for us in a nearby ice bucket.
To start we ordered the crab cakes and the "green crunch." The crab cakes (two) were pleasantly light and filled with crab meat: good. The green crunch was also good, with green beans, asparagus and edamame in a pomegranate vinaigrette.
I ordered the grilled swordfish, which the waiter properly recommended be cooked medium well. My friend made an entree of three side dishes: roasted yams, asparagus and the field mushrooms. All three needed salt; the mushrooms in particular had no flavor. Once again we would have done better to make a meal of appetizers.
For dessert we split the dulce de leche cake with caramel-balsamic ice cream and the mini chocolate cupcakes with sweet truffle and crushed raspberry. Both desserts were absolutely delicious, some of the best around. The cupcakes -- which sound gimmicky -- are more like little chocolate souffles surrounded by chocolate sauce. I'm thinking the truffle has to be from Kron. Total bill: $121 before tip.
The valet ($6) did a great job of getting people their cars quickly despite the large crowd.
I would stay at the hotel and order appetizers and especially desserts for room service -- it's way too loud to enjoy yourself amid the throng.
jcwla
Mar 15, 2007 02:49PM
I think you can probably see Joni Mitchell's place up towards Malibu in Topanga as she sings, "You don't know what you've got till it's gone." What a gem we had for so long in Topper's (RIP) where I have fond memories of enjoying cheap happy hour drinks while eating free from an extensive buffet and taking in the sunset from that fantastic seaside elevated view. A pleasant respite while spending what the valet costs now.
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Well, Toppers was great for the drinks -- the buffet was just OK, but for free, what do you expect! It sounds like it's much fancier -- and the noise level was horrendous at Toppers, I assume it has to do with the space and the acoustics.
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So sad places are so loud now... Would you go back? Is this more of a place to go for the view rather than food?
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I would not go back. My husband and I decided to stop by for a drink and appetizers at about 6:30 Saturday night. We found seats at the bar. I ordered a glass of wine. The bartender set down a glass and proceeded to pour at most a most ungenerous 2 ounces. A short time later, a young woman sat next to me and ordered a glass of wine from a different bartender, who proceeded to pour what appeared to be a 5-ounce pour! I was so annoyed we skipped appetizers and went to Nanbankan, which was fabulous.
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Alright, I was so aggravated after my post that I decided to call the manager. He was very apologetic and graciously offered to comp appetizers and drinks on our next visit. I feel much better now.
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My separate post was removed (I assume because I complained that we had to wait 40 minutes for our 7:45 reservation--did not realize the service aspect of a dining expereince was taboo on chowhound). As I said in my other post, I think the food is very good. I've ordered the scallops both times I've gone and my boyfriend ordered delicious roasted chicken once and a well-executed take on surf & turf last time. Loved the bread bowl. Also loved the truffles that jcwla mentions. However, based on the poor service, I think we'll hold off a while before returning and hope that either they work the kinks out or the crowd dissipates.
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