Tasting menu for birthday w/o breaking the bank?

[groover808]

I would like to do a tasting menu if possible for my birthday. Since the guy is footing the bill (and not a huge foodie), I don't want to give him sticker shock either. I'm also looking for no more than $70ish/pp for the tasting menu (food only). That rules out places like Spago, Stonehill Tavern, or Providence. I know Dine LA is coming up, but we'll be dining outside that time frame.

Grace is offering their 5 course menu for $55 indefinitely, Luques sunday supper sounds good, and Joe's on Abbot Kinney does 3 courses for $45. I live in OC so open to the usual out here like Old Vine or Napa Rose (haven't been to either) but more than willing to go out to LA. Goal is to get a sampling of good food from a great restaurant where we feel like we're getting our money's worth.

[groover808]

I'm leaning towards either Hatfield's or Grace, but more so for Grace since they do a 5 course for $55. Do you think Hatfield's 7 course (but if we do for two, will be able to taste 14 dishes) for $80 is that much better, or will we be happy with Grace?

[luhkee]

Hatfields is beyond worth it in my opinion. XIV is also a very good idea-11 courses for $75. I am going to have the full menu in a couple weeks-can't wait.
JOHNNIE

[ipsedixit]

Restaurant 561 in Pasadena (it's the restaurant for the California School of Culinary Arts)

http://561restaurant.com/tasting_menu...

[Emme]

Gonpachi has one for 60.

XIV can do a light one for 55 bucks, or create your own from the 8 dollar plates.

Tagine's is under 50 bucks still i think

Bouchees Bistro in Long Beach for the 70 dollar burger tasting menu w/ alcohol pour
( pics from one person's experience http://picasaweb.google.com/elingreen...

)

Il Grano is 75

Prix fixe at K-Zo for just under 60.

You could compose one at Orris.

if you're amenable to not going on a saturday...
Hatfield's market menu ($46pp)
Jiraffe has a 3 course bistro menu on Monday nights ($35)
Lou on Vine - Monday Nights 3 courses + wine pairings $55
Campanile - Monday night 3 courses $40

[westsidegal]

i only tried it once, but was very disappointed with the tasting menu at il grano.
every single cooked fish dish was OVERcooked.
at this price level, it was unexcusable.

[Emme]

really? did you complain?

[groover808]

When is the Hatfield's market menu available? I see the mention of it on their website, but no details.

[Emme]

it's a daily market menu.

[josephnl]

If you are willing to stretch the price a bit (to about $80pp for food only), there is no better special occasion experience in OC than dinner at The Hobbit in Orange. It is truly a multicourse extravaganza starting with complimentary champagne and wonderful hors d'oeuvres in their wine cellar, followed by a wonderful prix-fixe dinner in their beautiful, formal dining room. Check out their website at: http://www.hobbitrestaurant.com/

[FranklinJefferson]

Bashan Restaurant in Glendale (Montrose border) has a 5 course Tasting Menu for $70 right on the nose...

[jaykayen]

Hatfield's, of course...

Osteria Mozza's is 69/person

I've heard Sunday is the worst day to go to Lucques...they're probably swamped.

[groover808]

Hatfield's is on the higher end of my range ($80), but sounds sooo good. Maybe I can swing a two-fer since my birthday is near Valentines :)