|
Norman’s undoubtedly ranks among Los Angeles’ most beautiful restaurants and it exudes elegance in its Sunset Strip location. The front desk, the lounge, the bar, the three-level dining room and the kitchen (and what a kitchen!) are done in tasteful materials and colors. Dark beige and light browns are the dominant tones, while the high glass panels separating the kitchen intone an intriguing green touch. The ballet of the toques-wearing chefs dressed in white adds a lively dimension. The graceful light fixtures, reminiscence of mushrooms, add an impressive decorative element. Miami chef-restaurateur Norman Van Aken tries to impress Angelenos with his New World cuisine that is notorious in Coral Gables. He has composed a menu that changes monthly according to the season. Appetizers can be beef tenderloin tartare, Hawaiian ono in escabèche, crab dumplings or crispy shrimp. To continue, bay scallops come in an English pea-and-corn gratin, while the pan-seared turbot is in a curry emulsion; roasted pork lies atop a bed of grits, and quail is roasted and stuffed. We recommend ordering cheese before moving on to a dessert such as the banana bread pudding or the coconut-and-pecan panna cotta. Within the extensive wine list, assembled by expert sommelier Peter Birmingham, you will certainly find appropriate wines to pair with the wide array of tastes that emerge from the kitchen.
|
Send to Phone 
Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in your area. Also, check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.
