Luna Park report
So last night was the big 7 year anniversary dinner, and we slogged through another night of rain to Luna Park, on La Brea and Wilshire.
When we arrived at 7:30, most of the booths were full, but almost none of the tables in the middle of the room were occupied. When I had made my reservation, I had requested one of the curtained booths, and as soon as we arrived, we were escorted to the only remaining booth with curtains left. I was pleased, and the bf liked the ambience.
Orders promptly and attentively taken, music hip but not obtrusive. The bf got a Sierra Nevada and I, the tee totaler, got a Pellegrino (my choice, not foisted upon me by an overzealous waitstaff).
We started with the goat cheese fondue appetizer to share. A small ramekin perched atop a tealight arrived with thin slices of apple, and grilled bread that had been lightly coated with olive oil. I could have eaten just this for dinner, and sadly stopped so that I could save room for my entree.
The bf got the special chicken pot pie, which was the size of a football, and very good. The pastry wasn't heavy, but not insubstantial, and the chicken either roasted or grilled. The sauce was flavorful and herby, fresh with vegetables. A great rainy-night dish. I was waffling between the mac and cheese and pork cutlet, but got the cutlet since we'd have the fondue to start. It was stuffed with gruyere and mushrooms, and accompanied by mashed potatoes, string beans, and an apple cranberry sauce. I wish I'd gone with the mac and cheese. It wasn't a bad dish at all, but somewhat uninspired, pretty standard fare. I was just happy to have string beans, since the bf is allergic to them and they are one of the few vegetables I really like.
Dessert was the "build your own s'more," with yet two more ramekins and tea lights, one holding melted marshmallow, the other melted bittersweet chocolate, and a dish of homemade graham crackers. An enjoyable, interactive dish, but I wasn't collapsing in an epicurean heap, which I was hoping might happen with the promise of making my own high-end s'more. The graham crackers were kind of blah, and the flavors or the chocolate and marshmallow were oddly muted. Next time, maybe the caramel apple fondue or the bourban pecan chocolate cake.
The place was almost completely full when we left at 9.
Total, beer, water, one appetizer, two mains, one dessert, with tax and tip, $67.
I would return and try that mac and cheese I've heard so much about. The staff was very friendly and attentive, everyone saying goodbye as we left. On our way back to the car, we passed Campanille, and I'd sooner go back to Luna Park for a solid meal than pay three times as much for something that's occasionally great, but often just okay.
Thanks, 'Hounds. Saturday night at Mako with Mom!
LAmonkeygirl
Jan 11, 2005 03:56PM
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Thanks for the report, LAmg. Agree that the goat fondue app is amazing.
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"goat fondue app is amazing"
Goat CHEESE fondue, that is.
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Just FYI, Luna Park recently got a "C". I know I was really surprised by that the last time I was there.
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I may have been a bit inebriated, but isn't there some long (or short - I just thought it long) explanation as to why the C? Something like because they serve peanuts or pretzels at the bar? Anyway, I didn't get the impression when we were there that the "C" was for anything heinously unsanitary (though I never eat from those community peanut and pretzel bowls served at many establishments).
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No, that wasn't what gave Luna Park the "C", in fact, I doubt serving peanuts/pretzels are a violation at all. You can find out exactly what Luna Park got docked for at the LA county heath site, but apparently was multiple violations in the kitchen. No hairnets, improper food storage, not clean in food facilities, etc.
I did go to Luna Park late in December. We had 8pm reservations, we arrived 20 minutes early and wasn't seated until 8:20. No comps or apologies. I did notice the "C" at the time.
Link: http://www.lapublichealth.org
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I think there is way too much emphasis put on the grading system. Back when there was none, what did we all do? We judged a restaurant by the food, service and ambience.
The bottom line is that most restaurants have some roaches and many have mice, if only the occasional one. That's a part of life in the food prep biz. If one restaurant on a street has mice, it's like that all the restaurants on that block have mice too. I realize it's gross to think about, especially when it's detailed in a report a la the LA health department. Sure, if you find a finger in your salad that's one thing, but I think most places that score a "C" get it for something that probably exists in most other restaurants - they just didn't get rid of it/hide it/ disguise it the day the inspector came in. I love me a good taco from a grimy little Mexican joint...even if they've got a C rating.
BTW, I love the s'mores at Luna Park AND the Mac & Cheese. Regarding the latter, just get one order for two people - it's huge!
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I saw the big red C on the Luna Park window when I drove by a few weeks ago, and it looked like there was another piece of paper above it that said "WHY A C?" in bold letters, along with a written explanation. I assume the second item was put up by restaurant management.
I didn't have time to stop for a closer look but it piqued my curiosity. Anyone else see this or have a chance to read it?
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I saw the "C" as well and management posted their reason why they received such a grade. And then....I checked the Public Health site(http://www.lapublichealth.org/rating/) and the violations were more than just something to do with "bar snacks"...they had **10 VIOLATIONS**!! In my opinion, I feel this is dishonest and a bad way to treat their customers. I think a restaurant should be up front with their clientele. I will never eat there again.
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I went to the Health Department website, and confirmed that on 12/9/04, Luna Park got a 75. Hopefully, since that was a month ago, they've cleaned up. Ew.
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Wow, they sure did. Quite a comedown...their last ratings were A, A, A, & C.
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Don't waste your time on the bourban pecan chocolate cake. It is unspectacular.
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