New Year’s Eve Experience: This NYE experience was promoted as a 1920’s celebration with a show and full meal and cost $200 per person with tip/tax included. Overall the food, service, and decor were great (5 out of 5 stars) but the celebration part of the NYE countdown and party were underwhelming and boring (2.5 out of 5 stars).
For context, we got there when the experience started at 9pm and were sat down to start a 5 course meal of appetizer, pappardelle, salad, main course of choice and dessert. Within the first hour there was a short performance by some 1920s flappers followed by modern music in the style of the 1920s ragtime jazz similar to Bridgeton covers. Overall the night was off to a great start and giving the 1920s experience with the ambiance of music and show and good food. A bummer was that no drinks (soda, coffee, bottled water, wine, etc) were included in the $200 per person bill, it would have been nice for each table to at least receive a free bottle of water and wine included for the special celebration. However, we did receive complimentary champagne as described and there were lovely hats/tiaras and horns to blow at midnight - this was great. Shortly after the performance, the next 2 hours leading up to midnight continued with our 5 course meal but strangely had modern day music being played by a dj in the front room. I was expecting more flappers to dance at different parts of the night, 1920s cover music to continue, or at least to have on Sinatra, Glenn Miller Jazzy Dinner classics to fit the ambiance. The vibes were not following what was described at all. Unfortunately the new years countdown was probably the most underwhelming part of the experience as it was not evident that the countdown started as it lacked grandeur and did not have any big hurrah. One would’ve expected the countdown to be 1920s-esque in some way by being classical or continue with a celebration of sorts with the flappers. Instead, the folks who where in the front room with the dj for the countdown caught on that it was happening right when there were 5 seconds left until midnight, and instead of being met with confetti popping (I think there was some popped a few minutes after, but again was too weak to be noticeable) or a Frank Sinatra classic segway to welcome in the new year, it was quickly met with a collage of modern music being played that you would find at any average college bar. I think this part needed to have been done in a traditional/classical way in order to meet expectations and also be suitable for the mostly older audience. Most folks dressed up for the 1920s experience and were expecting the music and vibe to match the description but unfortunately it was evident when people emptied the dance floor quickly after midnight that the experience was over and that it was just another typical club/bar dance floor.
I think this event has great potential but needs to be more classical and the grand event of the new years countdown needs to be done with more pizzazz and excitement. The music was the biggest turn off as it did not contribute to the 1920s description that was promoted for the event and caused the nights excitement to quickly end. Perhaps dimming the main dance floor lights and letting the string lights illuminate the space would make it more cozy post midnight on the...
Read moreTitle: A Taste of Heaven: Il Cielo Delights with Culinary Excellence
Rating: ★★★★★
Il Cielo, located at 9018 Burton Way in Beverly Hills, is a culinary treasure that never fails to deliver an exceptional dining experience. During my recent visit, I had the pleasure of indulging in their Pan Roasted Chilean Sea Bass, which was nothing short of heavenly. To top off the meal, I couldn't resist the allure of their Heart Shaped Flourless Chocolate Cake, a divine finale that left me eagerly anticipating my next visit.
From the moment you step into Il Cielo, you're transported into an enchanting Italian oasis. The charming ambiance, with its elegant decor and soft lighting, sets the stage for a memorable dining experience. The attentive staff members promptly welcomed me and guided me through the menu, demonstrating their knowledge and passion for the cuisine.
The Pan Roasted Chilean Sea Bass was a true highlight of the meal. Served with a delicate lemon and caper butter sauce, the fish was flawlessly cooked to perfection. The flesh was tender, moist, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The accompanying sauce added a refreshing, tangy twist, enhancing the flavors of the sea bass without overpowering it. It was a truly captivating culinary creation that showcased the chef's expertise.
To complete this culinary journey, I treated myself to the Heart Shaped Flourless Chocolate Cake. This decadent dessert was a sight to behold and a delight to savor. The rich, velvety chocolate melted in my mouth, while the absence of flour lent a lightness to the cake that allowed the chocolate to shine. It was a perfectly balanced creation that showcased the artistry of Il Cielo's pastry chef.
Beyond the exquisite food, the attentive service provided by the staff added to the overall wonderful experience. They were knowledgeable about the menu, attentive to every detail, and consistently ensured that my dining experience was exceptional.
Il Cielo is more than just a restaurant; it's an enchanting culinary haven that captures the essence of fine Italian cuisine. The Pan Roasted Chilean Sea Bass and Heart Shaped Flourless Chocolate Cake are just two examples of the exceptional offerings that await patrons in this culinary paradise.
I eagerly look forward to my next visit, where I can once again indulge in the divine dishes at Il Cielo. If you're seeking a truly memorable dining experience in Beverly Hills, I wholeheartedly recommend choosing Il Cielo as your gastronomic destination. Prepare yourself for an extraordinary journey of taste and culinary...
Read moreI have never sent a dish back in my life and I am a people pleaser so it’s often hard to write a review under 5 stars but I feel in this case I should do so. We arrived and were led to the bar to wait for our reservation by an older gentleman very kindly. Only after about 10 min they came to seat us. Then we sat.. and sat.. about another 10 minutes before a server touched the table. I then inquired about an item by name on the menu which the server seemed unaware of until I pointed to it on the menu. Not a big deal at all! But with such a small menu they should know it in and out. Drinks were brought very swiftly. My boyfriend and I both ordered a pasta dish. He is a native from Italy and a hard critique however I am a lover of food and pretty much enjoy any hot dish. So I was very surprised to classify both of our pastas as virtually tasteless :(. Very watery and no flavor. We were starving so we decided to share mine (the “better” of the two) we were not checked on ONCE during the remainder of our 35 min meal. My boyfriend no longer touched his plate and it was left full. When the server finally arrive (only after a backwaiter came to clear dishes) my boyfriend exclaimed “I’m sorry I was not a fan of the dish however I am from Italy so i may be a harder critique” (even though I also thought it was tasteless to be polite I remained quiet and just smiled along) to which the waiter replied “well I don’t know how they make it in other parts of Italy” Now, this statement seems harmless typed however it was stated in a rude tone under the breath to the point where I almost let out a gasp of shock. I felt as if the waiter was frustrated however was certainly not with us as we never saw him after ordering until that interaction. This was my first time and the ambience was so beautiful and I would have definitely frequented however the food and experience is just not something I will explore again when there are many good Italian restaurants...
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