I made the reservations a month in advance for the first-seating at $140/person because I couldn't get myself to swallow the $250/person price of the second-seating.
Melisse has been on my to-go list for quite some time, and I was absolutely giddy to be able to share this experience with my husband.
We started with some complimentary breads - warm bacon, basil, brioche, and focaccia. And out of the kitchen came the amuse bouche of sweet tuna tartar with sea urchin, topped with a salty caviar and surrounded by a bed of uni essence - a fantastic beginning that left us wanting more.
With glasses of Cabernet in hand, the first couple of courses flirted with our taste buds. A delicate salad of turnips, spinach, green apple with chunks of Maine lobster was light and refreshing. While MS had the delicious Atlantic Turbot, I continued my dinner with the rich and decadent truffle risotto for an extra $60. The truffle shavings blanketed my warm rice dish, and I cleaned the plate of each earthy morsel.
I was in absolute culinary heaven when our main course arrived. The savory prime rib eye with heirloom vegetables in a perigourdine sauce were divine, and the braised beef cheek ravioli just melted in the mouth and oozed with perfection.
And yes, I ate everything. Including this trio of desserts: strawberry yogurt parfait, passion fruit souffle glace, and a warm chocolate tart. Held on the plate with sweet caramel, this was a trifecta of sweets.
As if the food were not enough, Chef Josiah Citrin's personal touch in welcoming his patrons won me over. I absolutely love it when the chef takes a few moments to walk around the restaurant to meet and greet his or her guests.
NYE 2009 was definitely a night to remember, the first of a lifetime of sharing these moments together as husband and wife.
Melisse
1104 Wilshire Blvd | Santa Monica, CA 90401
1.310.395.0881
http://www.melisse.com/
1104 Wilshire Blvd | Santa Monica, CA 90401
1.310.395.0881
http://www.melisse.com/
5 comments:
Hey BoLA - You sure did ring in the New Year with style!
What a gorgeous and elegant dinner to ring in the new year! Sigh, I really need to go there someday!
P.S. I'm so glad you're blogging again! :)
Hey Kirk-san! It looks like a great year for sure! When are you headed up to LA next?
Hey Marie! It's good to be blogging again... :) It's most definitely worth the bookoo bucks, and I'm hoping that we'll be able to go there again for another fabulous dinner!
awesome.. just heard about melisse again yesterday from a friend.. don't know if i'll have time to eat there before i leave, but will have to remember to put it on my list the next time!
Definitely been wanting to go for a long time. NYE is a good excuse. Or an anniversary, or a birthday, or finding a few $100 in the street...
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