Are you in need of a vacation? Maybe you don’t have the time or the money. It’s always one or the other, right? Well, how about an evening away? The signature restaurant of Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, Estérel Restaurant (8555 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048; 310.358.3979) has opened its new dining areas, that includes two unique spaces: “Le Jardin” and “The Aviary” (and has also brought on a new Chef). Estérel is a coastal region of Var and Alpes-Maritimes in Provence, France and the restaurant’s name is inspired by the fact that Estérel shares a similar landscape and terrain with Southern California’s coast.
You will feel as if you have left the busy streets of Los Angeles and landed in a garden in the middle of France. With a patio decorated with fountains, wrought iron gates, lush greenery, outdoor chandeliers, candles on each table, and white lights, you will be transferred far from the stressed of Los Angeles while you feast on a Mediterranean cuisine from Executive Chef Victor Boroda.
Inside Estérel Restaurant, you will find rustic, wide plank mahogany floors, mustard-colored semi-circle high-backed booths, deep blue walls decorated with a collection of female portraits, white linen curtains, and an open kitchen with a wood-burning oven. Along with a large wine list, you can sip on cocktails created by Ferrari Watts, Riviera 31 Lounge Bar’s resident mixologist. Or, indulge in wine (or Champagne) flights, which is oddly difficult to find in Los Angeles. I dove head first into the Champagne flight.
From wine to appetizers, we ordered up the Lamb Meatballs and the Octopus à la Plancha. The meatballs had Mediterranean spices and sat on couscous and had bits of sweetness from dates. The octopus sat on top of lentils with sprinkles of cheese. It added a tanginess that worked well with the savory octopus. We kept the seafood train rolling with the Grilled Maine Lobster that was accompanied by asparagus, Brentwood corn, sun-dried tomato, and pomme purée. It had a sweetness that was heightened by the corn, but then was balanced the the purée. We also ordered up the Whole Roasted Dorade that came with braised fennel, tomato, quinoa, and an herb salad. I love ordering a whole fish and picking at all the goodness (order it with someone you’re comfortable with). Both dishes, we absolutely beautiful and perfect for sharing.
So, if you can’t seem to get away, “get away” for the night at the garden at Estérel Restaurant. Between the beautiful atmosphere, delicious wines, and dishes that are perfect to take your time with, you will be lounging in a mini vacation in no time.
