Romantic Restaurants

[BRcoyne]

I am looking for a great romantic restaurant in the Orange County/Los Angeles area. MUST be open on Sunday's. Looking for a great food experience(preferably a 5-7 course tasting menu). Something unique and extraordinary. My first choice would have been Melisse but they are not open sunday, as were my other choices XIV, Ortolan. Any one with any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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XIV
8117 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

[coffeebrownies]

I thought the food at Bazaar was incredibly sexy--shared eating experience, long lingering meal, some really amazing sensual mouthfuls of food, and, even better, one can leave without staggering under the weight of a huge and heavy meal. Unfortunately, the only time I have managed to get there was with my mother and my son, so I haven't actually tested this hypothesis yet.

[Phurstluv]

Ortolan
Il Piccolo

What, Ortolan is now closed on Sundays?? Bummer.

Maybe you should switch days.

[ipsedixit]

Saddle Peak Lodge.

http://www.saddlepeaklodge.com/

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Saddle Peak Lodge
419 Cold Canyon Rd., Calabasas, CA 91302

[ocshooter]

Stonehill Tavern, part of the Michael Mina's family of restaurants that includes XIV seems to be open Sunday, as is the Studio at the Montage. Both are in South OC, but both are excellent and have tasting menus.

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Stonehill Tavern
St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, CA 92629

Studio
30801 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA

[foodiemahoodie]

Providence. I've been there with and without the Ciramusti - didn't notice a difference. This is a very well run restaurant.

[josephnl]

Nice to know that Providence is unchanged without the head guy. This indeed speaks very well for his understudy. I still think that elsewhere, in general, when going for an expensive tasting menu, I would pick a night when the main guy is there.

[foodiemahoodie]

I've been to Melisse a few times when Mr. Citrin was absent - was still great. No difference - at least in the food. (maybe the time coming out of the kitchen might be affected but I don't remember).

Spagos works fine without Wolfgang. I've been to Joel Robuchon (mansion and atelier in Las Vegas) twice (both restaurants) and I doubt Robuchon was there any of those times.

I know smaller restaurants can be effected by an absent chef. Portions are different, seasoning can be different. Very annoying when that happens.

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Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Las Vegas Bar
2343 S Bristol St, Santa Ana, CA 92704

[josephnl]

I guess I really was meaning smaller restaurants. Obviously it's a rare occurrence to have Wolfgang cook for you at Spago, or Mario cook for you at Babbo.

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Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

[josephnl]

Would agree with the recommendations of Providence and Marche Moderne for a great tasting menu...however, before going anywhere for a tasting menu, I would want to know that the head chef is in the kitchen, and Sunday night is often chancy. I'd call ahead to see who's cooking!

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Marche Moderne
3333 Bristol St 3001, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

[New Trial]

Marche Moderne in OC is open and now has a tasting menu. Spago on the Patio could work as well.

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Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Marche Moderne
3333 Bristol Street, Suite 3001, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

[jaykayen]

Providence?