Epique Restaurant — Restaurant in Glendale

Spoiler: If Ruth's Chris is your brand of "fancy", this place is not for you.

I don't remember how I found Epique but am so glad that I did. It was the grand finale to a five day food fest birthday celebration for my 20 year old.

We are a quiet duo that have a short list of favorite restaurants for varying reasons (one of them being no TVs please). We are very sensory sensitive so we don't frequent any bustling restaurants no matter how popular they may be. Dining is for quality and meaningful time. A time to be grateful and feel sustained.

I noted on the reservation that it was for a birthday. I included the same note on all of this week's reservations including tea at The Huntington Library last Sunday. None of the places we visited this week gave us quite the special greeting and hospitality like Epique. Not only was my daughter greeted with a "happy birthday" but also wishes of what I walked away feeling was a wish for a lifetime of blessings.

The decor was not only beautiful but impeccably clean. Not a spot on the silverware or glasses. Everything was legitimately gleeming. The dinnerware was elegant but still comfortable. I noticed so many tiny design details that were so well thought out like the transition of tile to the herringbone pattern hardwood floors, the wallpaper, chandeliers, table lamps, etc. Everything is expertly coordinated. I was also especially impressed by the actual hand towels in the bathroom. I love our planet and they had a non disposable option. I felt at home because I do the same.

Our waiter, Ivan I think (ee-vahn, not eye-van), was charming and attentive and at just the right amount. Whenever he was busy with other patrons, the rest of the staff was right there taking care of business at the appropriate intervals. The arrival of each course was very well timed and we didn't feel rushed nor did we have to wait too long. I noticed our waiter quietly standing in the back scanning each table and reading cues and circulating when he saw anyone needing service. The whole team seemed to work in quiet but quick synchronicity without ever a tinge of frenzy. Just efficiency.

For appetizers my daughter ordered the octopus and I the escargot. They seemed to enjoy the octopus. I thoroughly enjoyed my escargot which was textbook in presentation and robust in size and they did not overpower the flavor with too much garlic like some places do (probably to hide the inferiority of the snails). The Chilean sea bass was delicate but not underdone. My favorite part was the delicately seared skin that gave texture and richness that balanced out the slight sweetness of the bass. Green beans were also done perfectly and very flavorful. I had been looking forward to the magnet de canard since I made the reservation. It did not disappoint. It was delicately tender which is really hard to do in my opinion if you've ever tried to cook duck with its fatty and firm flesh. The glazed carrots and cranberries were perfectly matched with the rich duck flavor and texture.

Though they were out of eclairs the chocolate fondant was not a compromise at all. The waiter had us at liquid chocolate center. I enjoyed a latte. Even though I ordered an espresso I was pleasantly surprised at how smooth the latte was. Oh and we can't forget the bonus birthday dessert. We didn't expect it. They (the staff) were very sweet.

At the end of our meal our waiter politely asked "Would you like the check or would you like to just chill?" My goodness, such hospitality! We are not regularly sit-and-chill folks as we are both wiggle worms but live piano suddenly became the vibe and we took it! Not being rushed, we had time for some deep and meaningful conversation.

Thank you, Epique for giving us a lovely evening together to wrap up our celebration days. It was a true grand...

As much as I would like to love this place everything was going wrong direction. We arrived very early on Friday night with reservation made ahead but we got very small table at the entrance of the restaurant where everybody was entering/exiting and it didn't felt romantic. We started with cocktails and they brought a butter trio that was frozen and almost impossible to take out from the plate. My cocktail was good but my husbands Apero Epique was terrible! Peach and mint felt like a petroleum... also why almost every cocktails has Korean soju alcohol if place is "french"? Decoration and serving plates were very beautiful the place definitely has a style but food needs more improvement! Our beef tar tar was extremely overpriced and it didn't felt like $34. I am big fan of tartar but this was bland. I ordered a duck and I like it! Was very nicely cooked paired with cranberry sauce. Fish (branzino) was extremely dry and we didn't like it. It felt like it was so much dehydrated and almost no sauce to fix that. Dessert and tea was also average. Beautiful tableware but hazelnut dessert almost impossible to eat it doesn't break with the fork easily and caramel stucks on your teeth. Presentation of the food and restaurant overall is beautiful but lack of flavors or wrong combination destroyed the whole experience. Overall we paid over $200 and it didn't felt like we had exquisite french food. Concept of this restaurant is more American French. I have been to many classic and contemporary french restaurants but it's not even close to that, just because they added few items on the menu like a duck canard doesn't make it french... with korean soju and other drinks has nothing to do with that. I would consider it more fusion...

Reflecting on my recent visit, I am compelled to express my profound admiration for the exquisite experience you have crafted within your walls. Epique, indeed, lives up to its name, transcending mere dining into a symphony of elegance and indulgence.

Upon entering, I was immediately struck by the refined ambiance of your establishment. The unique and elegant interior design spoke volumes of noble luxury, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.

Now, onto the culinary journey that unfolded before me. The steak, a true masterpiece, boasted unparalleled tenderness and quality with each savored bite. My sincere compliments to the chef for their exceptional skill and dedication.

And let us not forget the tantalizing appetizers that teased the palate. From the delicate chicken liver pashtet to the divine shrimp in avocado sauce, each dish showcased a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The green salad and cheese plate further elevated the experience, leaving me eagerly anticipating what was to come.

As the evening progressed, I found myself enchanted by the artistry of each course. However, it was the dessert plate that truly stole the show. Adorned with the most exquisite fruits and delicacies, it was a visual and sensory delight, leaving me captivated until the very last bite.

In the realm of fine dining, Epique Restaurant stands as a testament to luxury and refinement. My heartfelt gratitude to the entire team for an evening of unparalleled splendor. Until we meet again, I will cherish the memories of this extraordinary culinary...