Providence or Babita for birthday dinner?

[mmmmangos]

I know that Providence and Babita do very different things, so comparing the two is unfair and possibly idiotic. Still, my SO is taking me out and I need to decide! I've never been to either. I eat fish but no other meat, if that swings the pendulum one way or the other.

[mstinawu]

I love Babita's, but being that you only eat fish, I'd probably suggest against it.

[russkar]

Been to all the mentioned Restaurants, many times. Providence by a Country Mile. Then follow that with Bastide.

[lance25]

Not so sure about the Water Grill suggestion. Mr. David LeFevre is obviously extremely talented and a very capable chef. However, I think the comparison between the two restaurants is difficult and maybe unfair to make. While MC is running his own kitchen and experimenting with different culinary inspirations, LeFevre is inevitably limited in his exploration, since he still has the corporate structure he has to adhere to. On dining at both locations, (on several occasions), the service at Water Grill feels a little dry and sometimes stiff. The product doesn't always seem as vivacious as Providences', and frankly, intimacy in the ambiance at Water Grill, is just missing.
I say go with Providence. and have a Happy Birthday!
-Cheers

[ipsedixit]

Go with Providence.

While I am a big fan of Babita (and not necessarily the biggest fan of Providence), for your b-day I think Providence is really a better choice esp. if you eat only fish.

[carter]

Like ipsedixit, I too am not the biggest fan of Providence, and thus you might want to consider Water Grill, MC's former restaurant in downtown LA, or Il Grano on Santa Monica Blvd in WLA. Both do all seafood menus if so interested, which would seem appropriate..

[ipsedixit]

Second the rec for Water Grill. One of my favorite restaurants in LA - seafood, or not. Was just there recently and LeFevre is doing fabulous things - really hitting his stride.

[Obessed]

I liked Providence better than Water Grill, however I haven't been to Water Grill recently.