This was our annual trek to Providence from OC. A 90 minute drive up that's usually abt a 30 minute drive home (though this visit, the PGA US Open was in town and doubled our time home). We rarely return twice to a fine dining...location unless it's really THAT good...and Providence is one of those rare restaurants. Over the years, I've become a fan of Mr Donato Poto and he's part of the reason I return. His FOH table-side manners are just so exquisite, understated and lovely. Last year, I dined at another Michelin starred restaurant and had a chat with the chef; he asked what my favourite restaurant was. How do you answer THAT question? He said he wouldn't be offended and would appreciate a frank answer; so I told him on balance of food and service, it would be Providence for fine dining. And then he added, that, yes, chefs Michael Cimarusti and Tristan Aitchison create delicious menus and the service by Mr Poto is one that's hard to beat. So Mr Poto has fans in other chefs.
Anyway, to my dismay, Mr Poto wasn't there that evening. But, his son Nick was. Mr Nick Poto, like his father, was generous and gracious. He was also friendly, energetic and kind, as was our server Ivar. We were in good hands. Also, the restaurant underwent a gorgeous remodel this spring. It felt like a nice, romantic, adult, elevated grotto, awash in oceanic green. There were fewer tables, adding to a more exclusive ambiance. It was a nice change.
The food was delicious. This summer, the menu tasted more French inspired with the sauces. Before, the flavours were more Japanese-inspired; clean, vibrant, yet subtle. This go-around, it was more luscious, requiring us to use the red fife sourdough to get every bit of the sauce. And there was one dish that had red shiso, that was so yummy it blew my mind. As a fan of seafood, I love returning here each year. My favourites of the evening are depicted below; of those, the playful One Potato Two Potato caviar dish was stunning. I've had caviar at the Petrossian Cafe inside Tiffany's a month prior and Providence's was better than anything they offered. The amuse bouche always delights, as does the salt-roasted spot prawns served table-side, the chocolate husk tea and the takeaway granola. If you pick one fine dining restaurant in LA, this would be it.More