552060 Mon Aug 25 14:24:36 -0700 2008 12 2 Los Angeles Area 0 3985973 Need to pick a place for special occasion, but after searching these boards, I'm more confused than ever! What's the consensus on the Spago tasting menu? Anyone experienced it recently? We've already done the Providence one so would like to try something different. Should have good wine pairing as well, nothing in a "clubby" atmosphere (read: Apple). Looking forward to your detailed recs!! thanks. TAG http://tokyoastrogirl.blogspot.com/ Mon Aug 25 14:24:37 -0700 2008 13334 tokyoastrogirl 1 3986068 If you're going to Spago, the consensus here seems to be that the tasting menu is quite good and a far better choice than going a la carte. See: http://www.kevineats.com/2007/04/spago-beverly-hills-ca.htm Other solid choices than come to mind are Bastide, Ortolan, and Sona. Mon Aug 25 14:49:16 -0700 2008 3985973 54503 kevin h 2 4005923 I have never done the tasting menu at Spago, but have done several about town and in other cities. My personal fave in LA is Sona. Wed Sep 03 10:56:32 -0700 2008 3986068 13235 lotta_cox 1 3986101 Here's a link to my recent Sona post, had a great experience, look it over, hard not to be wooed, I think. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/550404 Mon Aug 25 15:01:03 -0700 2008 3985973 151099 la tache burger 1 3986139 ou've done the best already, but Spago is pretty dang spectacular. Of course, many will aim you to Urasawa's omakase dinner. Very $$$, but word of mouth says worth every penny Mon Aug 25 15:14:13 -0700 2008 3985973 11201 Diana 1 3986217 The Water Grill, if you don't mind slightly overdone fish leading up to luscious beef (far better than most cuts at Cut, e.g.) and desserts. As a reference, elsewhere this year (and not too far away), I've really enjoyed the tasting menus at Stonehill Tavern (great fish AND beef from Michael Mina), Arterra (wonderful California-style from Bradley Ogden but just too noisy), and Rosemary's (upscale Southern-style in off-the-strip Vegas -- their dessert plates are almost as much food as the rest of the meal). The current hit with the see-and-be-seen crowd in Vegas, Joel Robuchon, serves an extremely expensive tasting menu of toy food and foams for plastic tongues. Mon Aug 25 15:43:02 -0700 2008 3985973 77350 sbritchky 2 4005639 Amen to the Stonehill recommendation! They are SPECTACULAR as to service, food and ambience. We always try to hit all the highest rated places in Orange County at least once, and this one was far beyond its peers. Wed Sep 03 09:07:11 -0700 2008 3986217 219739 MaxCaviar 1 3986266 For a tasting menu with a good wine pairing I would seriously consider both Valentino and Melisse. Mon Aug 25 16:01:05 -0700 2008 3985973 11583 ipsedixit 2 3987308 The Dining Room - Langham Huntington Hotel Providence Sona Melisse Tue Aug 26 05:24:59 -0700 2008 3986266 145897 The Sauce 3 4005858 The Langham dinning room is closed for remodeling..... Wed Sep 03 10:34:34 -0700 2008 3987308 12882 jkao1817 1 3987335 August 4, 2008 CH Spago tasting menu review with a link to online photos here: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/545317 Tue Aug 26 05:42:22 -0700 2008 3985973 108169 Servorg 1 3987585 Hi tokyoastrogirl, I second ipsedixit's vote. Besides Providence, Spago and Valentino were pretty nice. I reviewed their Tasting Menu here: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/541112 Tue Aug 26 07:40:11 -0700 2008 3985973 113442 exilekiss 2 4005765 Tokyo, really enjoyed your blog. Go to Valentino. The new chef is doing great. They have an amazing wine list and Paul is great at pairing food and wine. I'll go..LOL Wed Sep 03 09:52:30 -0700 2008 3987585 25338 david Haskell