THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Rouge

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Rouge Restaurant Review:

An unexpected piece of Paris parked on the raucous corner of Wilshire and San Vicente, Rouge is a refreshing change from the L.A. norm. At lunch the cuisine is Continental, simply salads, sandwiches and a great mussels marinière with a side of pencil-thin frites. Dinner walks a slightly more exotic line, tapping into chef Corey Francis' Caribbean roots. Born in Antigua, chef Francis demonstrates a light touch with piquillos, coconut and Cajun spice. Specialties include a sea bass ceviche, adobo-rubbed tuna and curried lamb shank. Rouge's atmosphere, with its club-like vibe, is equally as enticing as its culinary spice. Decked out in deep, sexpot red, the dining room is an intimate space, dark and somewhat mysterious. Well-spaced banquettes offer an alluring meeting place for a romantic rendezvous. At happy hour, the central bar becomes an inviting meeting place to see and be seen. The wine list is a work in progress; however, the collection of specialty drinks will whet any appetite.