I loved the place immediately - it was in what looked like a converted bungalow, and exuded sophisticated charm from every angle. There were a handful of tables inside, with the best one straight in front of the window with a view into the kitchen, as well as a few tables along the covered wraparound deck. It had a chic design (in cool grey and black), but was cozy - a combination that I love.
We kicked off our meal with a round of cocktails - our lovely server was super knowledgeable about pretty much everything on the menu, and though my preferred liquor usually come in whites, he patiently made recommendations from the cocktail list - which is focused on amber liquors (as these have more flavor). Seems like a lot of people have been raving about fernet, and I've never tried it - so I went with the Self-Preservation Society ($12) with cocchi americano fernet, dry gin/lemon/ maraschino/bitters/sugar crust.
The drink had a carefully controlled intensity - equally sweet and bitter, with a bit of citrus to cut through both. It also came with a great sugar rim and a dark maraschino cherry on a stick.
As a starter, I had one of the best 'simple' egg dishes I've ever had: Schaner Farm's Organic Chicken Egg ($13) toasted cauliflower, mustard sabayon - a perfectly cooked (63 degree?) poached egg sat atop cauliflower that tasted and looked like bacon bits, with a light - almost imperceptible - kick from mustard sabayon. The egg was liquid gold - I love a good runny egg like I love oysters - both such pure foods, untouched inside, beautiful by nature. And I love breakfast foods for dinner - so this one was perfect for me. Also loved that this dish made me see cauliflower in a whole different light.
For my main, I went for the Domestic Squab, New York ($38) with "warren" pear/ turnip/ chanterelle - loved the presentation on this one, the baby turnips were adorable! A rustic but beautifully presented dish - that was also delicious, with the bite-sized pieces of tender, juicy, gamey bird counterbalanced by the subtle sweetness of pear slices, earthiness of chanterelle mushrooms, and crunch of turnip. Loved this.
After taking off the $50 from the Bloomspot deal, PLUS $20 OpenTable gift certificate (both courtesy of Designer!) and 30% off from making the reservation through Savored - we hardly had to pay anything at all!
But of course we tipped on the pre-discounted amount - our server was simply fantastic. He told us about the Wednesday AYCE fried chicken dinner (but it was only that week before the holidays - call for other specials) and Sunday Family Style Suppers, where you not only get 4-5 courses for $39 per person - you also get bottomless house wine with your meal! Without the group buy deals these would be the best options for foodies on a budget.
All in all, a great meal in a lovely spot that feels like home - if home came with an executive chef who blew your mind, plate after plate.
Will definitely find our way back to Eva soon!!!
[For more deals like this one, check out my Get More Bites Outta Your Budget page]
On a 7 point scale:
Flavor - 6 bites
Presentation - 6 bites
Originality - 6 bites
Ambience - 6 stars
Service - 6.5 stars
Overall experience - 6 bites
Price - $$$$ (4 bite marks)
Probability of return visit - 100%
Eva Restaurant
7458 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Ph: 323.634.0700
Parking: Valet $6.50, street parking
Website: evarestaurantla.com
Look for reservations: opentable.com/eva
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