56944 Sun Nov 16 12:56:39 -0800 2003 2 2 Los Angeles Area 0 297148 We had our first visit to Grace last night and, after some initial panics, had a wonderful dinner. I made reservations more than a week ago for Saturday night but alas, the hostess could not find our reservation anywhere. She asked sweetly, "Are you sure you made a reservation at Grace Restaurant?" Um, yes, I was quite sure where I made the reservation. The front desk staff finally found our reservation - for Friday night! and said that they were totally booked and really didn't know if they would be able to seat us. Well, having confirmed the reservation earlier in the week, I tried to make it clear that my parents were on their way and we expected to be seated (understanding that these things happen, we tried to stay calm and patient while they figured it out.) My SO and I sipped at our rather tart mojitos and suddenly were absorbed by the beauty of Grace. What a beautiful space. I swear that lighting made everyone look ten years younger! After the arrival of the folks, we were quickly seated with apologies. At this point I could go on and on about every perfect detail at Grace and indeed, from this point on, every moment was perfect. The food was original, beautifully plated, and balanced. My SO and I shared the Dungeness Crab salad with meyer lemon and pea shoots - tangy, crisp. I could have licked the plate. Brett, our earnest, intelligent, and engaging server, suggested a sake pairing that was just right. I noticed that our busboy was so on top of the bread, butter, and especially water! Each table has their own little carafe but I don't think we touched it once. Entrees were amazing - filet of beef with blue cheese butter, saddle of rabbit, salmon, and a perfectly grilled chicken that was juicy and crisp. And desserts were sweet, but not too much. We shared the maple-glazed donuts and sweet corn pudding with polenta crust and pulled sugar. The coffee was delivered in our own french press pot and was rich and strong. I was really looking forward to trying Grace but the experience exceeded my expectations and we all can't wait to go back. Sun Nov 16 12:56:39 -0800 2003 0 Suebee 1 297248 We also had a wonderful dinner there after a bad beginning. The hostess wanted to seat the four of us in the back of the restaurant when there were several tables for four available in the main dining area. We declined and were given a great booth. I noticed this same pattern throughout the night. Walk the party to the back, re-emerge to the main area. Makes you wonder why they designed it that way. Mon Nov 17 14:29:39 -0800 2003 297148 0 michele 2 297283 You know what's so funny? I thought the back area was some sort of VIP room because Danny Devito was scurried back the night we were there. Mon Nov 17 18:29:18 -0800 2003 297248 0 Suebee