Eat & Drink
Originally published on Monday, 26th May 2014
TROIS MEC
716 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, United States
Location
In a mini mall complex off the glitz of Melrose, this really does look like a old school pizza joint. The only clue that everything isn't what it seems is the computer print out on the window reading 'No more pizza sorry'.
Vibe
We love it here. This is a place that welcomes you from the moment you arrive. Staff are friendly with smiles all round, and in an open kitchen, that's saying something. We went on a Monday evening but it felt like Saturday night. People were having a great time.
Flavours
Where to start? Come here hungry- with five courses, a supplement dish, starter 'snacks', and 'mignardises' to finish, this is not the lightest bite. Know that and prepare accordingly, and you're in for a treat. Highlights included the avocado, citrus, and crab ceviche with buckwheat popcorn, as well as grilled cabbage with smoked almond milk, miso flan, and fennel pollen. The Nantucket scallops with tandoori, sesame, and cauliflower were stand out too. For desert, apple butter with crème de brie, toasted barley, and hay was indulgent and if you have room, try a bite of the buttercream puffs. Oh, and the garlic caramel. You can do wine or non- alcoholic pairings, too.
Décor
Outside – think grotty but with style (we love a neon sign) while the inside is small, bustling and casual: an open kitchen with bar dining. UJ hears that the open plan was inspired by London's Barrafina, another fave. The beats of Biggie, NWA, and Snoop were a welcome change to the soundtrack of the Doors and LCD Soundsystem (we know?!) that seemed to follow us around LA. And they got the volume just right, too.
Upshot
Tickets may be hard to come by: $75 non-refundable tickets are released festival style (meaning, fingers at the ready) every second Friday at 8 AM PDT, plus you have to register first. So if you do end up getting a ticket, you're in for a special night. But if all else fails and you can't nab a table, try one of their other restaurants, Son of a Gun, or Animal.
