By Te-Erika Patterson of Moving to Los Angeles
When I received the invitation to sample the cuisine at L’Assiette Steak Frites for dinner as a guest of the LA Beat, I was intrigued by the offer. Nestled in West Hollywood, the neighborhood is known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. In fact, just up the street on nearby Fairfax, the neighborhood is going through a vibrant revitalization as even more businesses, shops and restaurants are clamoring for the steady stream of residents who live, love and enjoy the night life in West Hollywood.
What can a restaurant do to stand out from the crowd of fresh new businesses emerging up and down Melrose Avenue? L’Assiette Steak Frites may have the answer.
It turns out that L’Assiette Steak Frites, which opened up just this past March, is the new kid on the block serving up an old time favorite from France. Its owner, Jacques Fiorentino, brought his favorite treat from France to West Hollywood where his restaurant serves only one dish. The Steak Frites is a platter of steak prepared sous vide and served with a heaping portion of french fries.
What is so special about steak and french fries? Well, for this non chef, who accidentally placed my carton of eggs in the freezer last week and still tried to boil them for lunch, I couldn’t have enough. Smothered in a special family recipe sauce that was gravy-like in consistency yet didn’t overpower the flavor of the steak, each bite literally melted in my mouth. Even my toothless grandma would enjoy the steak here. The fries reminded me of the fries at In & Out Burger, freshly made and delicious. The coolest part of the meal was the fact that you receive two servings at separate intervals so that the food will not ever get cold on your plate.
Pricing in at $25 for a soup, steak and fries dinner, L’Assiette Steak Frites seems to have the right balance of price value and delivery of an above standard dining experience. By walking into L’Assiette Steak Frites, you would expect that the prices would be higher to compensate for the service you receive and the classy ambiance which is a mixture of The Crustacean for its elegance, and Dave & Busters, because the music begs you to sing along out loud. Even if you are hanging out with a diverse crowd of carnivores and those who sing to their plants, L’Assiette Steak Frites actually has a meal choice for everyone, including a vegetarian version of the Steak Frite.
You can easily dine at L’Assiette Steak Frites, after a fun night out at the movies, or decide that you would like to propose to the love of your life there. Either occasion would be facilitated warmly by cozy restaurant with knowledgable servers like Josh who over extends himself to ensure a pleasant dining experience.
Speaking of Josh, no dining experience is ever complete without taking time to get to know the server. Our server, Josh, who bravely handled the hot plates like a pro during our meal, is an LA transplant from the Bay Area who has an extensive history in the restaurant business, having served as a dishwasher, line cook, bartender and general manager of a restaurant before moving to Los Angeles 4 and a half months ago to try his hand at becoming a world-class comedic actor.
Finding himself on the opposite side of the table again, smiling and describing the menu, hasn’t dampened Josh’s spirits at all, commenting that he is amazed that he has made a life for himself so quickly in Los Angeles.
“I really enjoy it here,” Josh commented. “It’s a regular thing to see Hollywood every where you go. Actors and directors and people who have inspired me to go after my comedy career I have come across, in fact, sitting right at this table.”
With an extensive wine collection, a full service bar, a “slurp every drop” bowl of soup to start your meal and the laid back elegance of L’Assiette Steak Frites, I can’t imagine that the restaurant won’t become a favorite among those with discriminating palates and the desire to experience the best West Hollywood has to offer. To cap off the royal treatment by the beautiful staff, the restaurant is actually open until midnight, offering a special late night fare to satisfy those indulgent cravings.
I think L’Assiette is a win for West Hollywood but really, I am not surprised. West Hollywood is consistently winning at each at every corner you turn.
