๐ซ LA | Valentineโs Day Dinner with My Girlfriend at Vespertine
๐ Michelin โญโญ Vespertine Nestled in the artsy Hayden Tract, the entire structure was designed by architect Eric Owen Moss โ all futuristic vibes and sculptural beauty ๐๏ธโจ. No sign outside; we were first led to a quiet little garden to sit outdoors, listening to mysterious music. It felt like an escape from the city โ serene and intriguing ๐ต๐ฟ. Then, we were guided up to the third floor to see the open kitchen, where Chef Jordan Kahn and his team were at work ๐จโ๐ณ๐ฅ. After that, we slowly made our way downstairs to begin the dining journey. ๐ฝ๏ธ 1 | Wild Scallop The chef said the inspiration was โlike eating a batteryโ ๐. The first bite was strikingly sour โ scallop + passion fruit โ but once mixed with the mousse and petals, it became unexpectedly delicious! ๐พ Paired with: Suenen Champagne ๐ชจ 2 | Summer Looked like a stone on grass โ we had to flip it open to eat ๐ชจ๐. Inside: snap peas + kiwi + edible flowers. Refreshing, though the floral notes were slightly bitter. ๐ท Paired with: 2021 Reid Spiegel ๐ง 3 | Deep Ocean Served in a container carved from a huge block of ice โ๏ธ. Sweet shrimp + chilled broth โ incredibly fresh. Drank every last drop of that soup! ๐ฅ Paired with: 2022 Bougros Grand Cru ๐ค 4 | Obsidian Mirror A glossy black obsidian-like surface โจ. Smoked mussel + plum, served in a unique shell-shaped vessel. A beautifully balanced sweet, sour, and smoky combo. ๐พ Paired with: 2014 Riesling Grossi Laรผe ๐ 5 | Aged Kinmedai Dry-aged for 30 days, this kinmedai was rich with charcoal-grilled aroma ๐ฅ. Paired with papaya purรฉe โ my girlfriendโs favorite dish of the night! ๐ถ Paired with: 2023 Skerpioen ๐๏ธ 6 | Coturnix Quail + Sourdough Porridge Bread My first time having quail in a fine dining setting! One piece of breast, one leg ๐. The breast was delicious tucked into the sourdough bread; the leg had a subtle sweetness. ๐ท Paired with: 2022 Les Champans ๐ฅฉ 7 | Spring Lamb Tender and fragrant โ a lovely savory course ๐ฟ๐. ๐ Paired with: 2016 Viรฑa Real --- Then down to the first floor โ ๐ง 8 | Red Earth A creative cheese course ๐ง๐ฑ ๐ท Paired with: 2019 Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon ๐ฅ 9 | Caramelized Pancake Made with lamb fat and whiskey, served with tea ๐ตโจ โ๏ธ 10 | Icy Birch A refreshing dessert where you break through a layer of ice ๐ง๐ ๐ฐ 11 | Layers A dark raspberry-themed sweet finale ๐ค๐ #Vespertine #LosAngelesEats #MichelinDining #FineDiningLA #ModernCuisine #FoodAsArt
