Read Karen's entertainment reviews on her theater pages -"Doubt" and "Fat Of The Land"

Aphrodisiac

I have two very generous friends who, unlike the restaurant-phobic Mr. X, take me out to dinner when they’re in Los Angeles. We always have a great time together, although we find “in” restaurants where the food is less than stellar. I put pressure on myself to find perfect places, but since I like them to be new to me, too, rarely do.

So, Karen and Jerry are back in town, and I got to pick the restaurant. I narrowed it down to a few, but must admit I’m a tad distracted this week because baseball play-offs started, and I’m getting ready to do a cameo in a film. So, I asked a couple of hipsters for their opinions, and they came up with Aphrodisiac. Then my new Zagat Survey came, and listed it under “Trendy,” so I thought, “Perfect.”

Though the establishment was very beautiful, it appears to be trendy for only the geriatric set. To make sure I fit in with the expected crowd, I slaved over my hair that day, but made a mistake. I went with my usual long, straight, auburn hair, and if I really wanted to fit in here, I should have gone with a silver-blue bubble cut!

Lack of hipness aside, this was one of the best meals I’ve ever had in LA. My friends loved theirs, too. I started with an appetizer of tiny pasta with mushrooms and vegetables, and it was out of this world. I had made fun of it for being so small a portion that it was served in a martini glass, but the taste more than made-up for the size.

Karen and I both had the Filet Mignon, (of course, with the same name, what did you expect?), and were equally impressed with it. Honestly, possibly the tastiest steak I’ve ever had. Jerry loved his lamb chops. As someone who has eaten in just about every upscale restaurant in town, he pointed out something I totally agree with; what a pleasure it was to get a plate with a complete meal, not just a piece of meat as happens more than it should nowadays. That’s how it’s done at The Lodge and Mastro’s, to name a few, and it’s downright offensive. Aphrodisiac does it right.

We tried the chocolate cake for dessert, and that was nothing special, so it wasn’t worth the calories. It made me feel better that I had had a couple of long rolls from the varied bread basket before the meal, which were delicious.

Service was pleasant and accommodating, and both bar areas were interesting. The best part is that there was no loud music playing, so you can actually have a conversation. And there was plenty of space for all the dishes on the table, which is a welcome rarity.

One negative note: they have a room where you can eat dinner in bed, for the exorbitant price of a week-end stay at a nice hotel. I think that’s as dumb as the name. There’s nothing aphrodisiac about the experience, unless great steak turns you on in that manner, in which case you need to have dessert at a place called Therapy.

Aphrodisiac 10351 Santa Monica Blvd.
310-282-8870
www.aphrodisiacrestaurant.com

 

GREAT TASTES IN BRENTWOOD PREVIEW

And lastly, don’t miss the Great Tastes in Brentwood this Sunday, October 8, held along San Vicente Blvd. Over two dozen restaurants are due to participate, from all near-by neighborhoods, including Beverly Hills. Admission is free and sample tastes start at $2. Proceeds will benefit local schools.

Should be fun. And yet another chance for you “Vicente” mis-pronouncers to look at the street signs and realize that there is not an “N” after the “Vi.” Just another of life’s little annoyances. To me, hearing people say this word wrong is almost as grating as hearing Mr. Bush say “nucUlar” instead of “nuCLEar.” And I’m not even a Dixie Chick.

For more info visit their website or callr 310-442-1384.