Gwen — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Unfortunately, we had a miserable experience at Gwen. We had very high hopes, as we had been to Maude three times for special occasions and had an unbelievable time; Maude was cozy, intimate, welcoming, and delicious, with immaculate service and commitment from the staff. We were disappointed that Maude has now closed, but we were excited to try Gwen, also a Curtis Stone restaurant with a Michelin star.

We felt lucky to be able to get reservations for dinner service at the chef's counter. Other reviews had noted this was a memorable dinner. Our dinner was memorable for all the wrong reasons.

We had a few questions about the menu. The extensive bottled water menu was never really explained, and it wasn't clear if a specific choice of a $13-14 international bottled water was supposed to enhance our meal. My wife and I like steak at different temperatures, so the server offered that we could order the steak to the first temperature, divide the steak, and then send the other portion back to the kitchen to finish cooking. This was a strange proposition, but we went along with it. We understand that individual steaks cannot be magically cooked to two temperatures, and we would have accepted if they would have told us the steak may only be cooked at one temperature. Our server also offered to serve our pasta course as a middle course between the appetizers and our steak. We looked forward to the meal.

The service started out unfortunate. My cocktail was spilled on me while being served. I wiped the countertop and my clothes with my dinner napkin. In terms of the food, the oysters were delicious. The bread made in-house was the highlight for me, warm, soft, and topped with fresh salt. After that, we sat and waited, and waited, and waited. Our server ended their shift and assured us they had relayed the information about the pasta and the steak to the other server. The expeditor finished their shift. The kitchen staff started closing down the kitchen. We received our steak at the end of the night, cooked to my preferred temperature. The kitchen staff had already broken down the kitchen and there was no offer to cook the other portion to my wife's preferred temperature. The steak was cooked perfectly for me, and it tasted good enough, though I had to eat it by myself. The pasta finally came after the steak and was overcooked. The timing of the courses and the inability to split the steak were small things, but it's a failure to deliver on offers that were more disappointing at a restaurant of this renown.

The experience at the chef's counter was the biggest disappointment of the night. I have never felt less welcome in a restaurant in my life. No interaction, no acknowledgement, no smiles; it was a great departure from the warmth we experienced every time at Maude. At the end of the night, one chef was speaking to another, standing on the other side of the counter in front of us. The first asked, "Did you ask them [referring to us] if they had a fabulous evening?" The second replied, "no, maybe you should do it." Neither said anything to us. They just seemed annoyed we were even there.

They started breaking down the kitchen before we received our entrees, continuing as we finished our food. We totally understand, everyone wants to finish work and get home. However, it seemed like everyone was in a bad mood and there was little love or care shown to the food. The chef laid out numerous plastic containers of ingredients and food on the countertop. They swirled various broths and sauces around and dumped containers of ingredients together, just across the counter from our prepared food in front of us. There was ample other clear counter space throughout the kitchen, and this added to the feeling that we were simply in the way. We received no acknowledgement besides the aforementioned side comment.

All in all, we are just sad. It's a shame Chef Stone closed Maude, because we loved it there. Maybe Gwen is better if you come early and avoid the chef's counter, but we...

We had dinner at Gwen for our anniversary and wow, instant favorite steak place in Los Angeles!

PARKING / SEATING: There is a valet option, or you can drive a few blocks looking for street parking. Gwen is on the corner across from Tocaya and the details on the building hint at the lovely interior that awaits you (or perhaps the outside seating, shielding you from the street with greenery.

Our reservation was for a table and we were immediately shown to our booth table for two, but not before we caught eye of the butcher display case of tantalizing cuts of marbled Wagyu!

SERVICE: Service was wonderful, everyone was kind and made us feel welcomed and relaxed without being rushed. Water was refilled, cocktails served on pretty paper coasters, napkins folded when we had to leave the table. When we asked for food to be boxed up, they explained they'll handle it and have the bag ready to be picked up near the front - so helpful and worry-free.

A surprise pre-main course: we were presented with a case of steak knives to choose from, each unique! It was a charming way to get us excited for what's to come, to select our knife of choice.

VIBE: Interior is gorgeous, with plush booths, deep green and brushed copper with white accents, spiral chandeliers, a peek of flames in the kitchen direction, sweeping bar, rounded lights with soft lighting. Very art deco, down to the gold details on the cocktail glasses too. Feels upscale and tasteful, and a real pleasure to dine in!

DRINKS: BERRY BRAMBLE and also whiskey-based one for the table. Both were balanced well, with the tartness of the bramble cocktail refreshing and went well with and cutting through any fattiness of the meats we ate. The menus rotate but after these drinks I would trust anything the bartending team makes for next time!

FOOD: We started off with the house made charcuterie plate, then for the main course the 30-day aged ribeye, with two sides: white asparagus and mushroom spaetzle, and finished off with macchiato and a butter tart with poached pear.

BREAD AND BUTTER: The bread was cut and steaming, and served with salted butter. The scent of the bread was so...wheaty and inviting. It was all we could do to save a bit as suggested by the service team, for the charcuterie plate. CHARCUTERIE: 6 kinds served with a gorgeous pile of pickles, which were excellent palate cleansers and honestly I could eat by themselves too. There was a deep ash-infused sausage, a thinly sliced fennel one, a redder chorizo one, a paprika spread, a terrine served with dabs of jam, and rich dark duck breast. You're dining at place with a butcher shop, and this plate surely shows that off! 30-DAY AGED RIBEYE: That rich, meaty taste of the aged steak. The slotted serving utensils, the fancy flaked salt on top, the perfect medium-rare, plus the bone and some charred greens and even a little serving cup of jus. PERFECT. I think our favorite steak in the city and possibly the world (and we've been to Florence!). What an experience. How do they do this! WHITE ASPARAGUS: showered with fresh herms and deep cocoa toast crumbs on a cream sauce. Fresh and light! Some of the ends were a bit fibrous but otherwise lovely. MUSHROOM SPAETZLE: delicate yet rich, each spaetzle morsel soft and melted alongside the earthy bits of mushroom and cheese. BUTTER TART with ginger ice cream and poached pear. Not too sweet and so tantalizing, before we knew it we had finished it all. The tart crust was tender and paired wonderfully with everything, the pear bursting with juice.

We had such a wonderful time. Beautiful food in a beautiful place, with friendly staff - really nice way to celebrate our anniversary and can't wait to...

Gwen: A Gastronomic Symphony Where Culinary Craftsmanship Shines

Step into the realm of culinary mastery at Gwen, where the boundaries of flavor and artistry are pushed to unprecedented heights. This hidden gem in the heart of Los Angeles weaves together a symphony of tastes and textures, leaving you spellbound with every bite. Prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey that will tantalize your senses and ignite a passion for exceptional dining.

Gwen is more than just a restaurant—it is an ode to craftsmanship and a celebration of culinary excellence. As you enter the elegant space, you are immediately greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance that sets the stage for an extraordinary dining experience. The attentive and knowledgeable staff guide you through a menu that showcases the finest ingredients and pays homage to time-honored culinary traditions.

While every dish at Gwen is a masterpiece in its own right, let me take a moment to marvel at the star of the show—the sorbet. Oh, the sorbet! It is a divine creation that transcends the boundaries of taste and texture, leaving you in awe of its sheer brilliance. Each spoonful delivers an explosion of refreshing flavors, a symphony of fruity and vibrant notes that dance on your palate. The sorbet at Gwen is a testament to the artistry of the culinary team, as they flawlessly balance sweetness and acidity, creating a dessert that is nothing short of spectacular.

But Gwen's enchantment doesn't end with the sorbet alone. The menu showcases a symphony of flavors, where every ingredient is carefully selected and thoughtfully prepared. From the perfectly seared meats to the delicate seafood, each dish tells a story of passion and dedication. The culinary craftsmen at Gwen work tirelessly to elevate classic flavors, infusing them with their own unique twist, resulting in culinary masterpieces that delight and surprise with every bite.

The attention to detail extends beyond the kitchen and into the dining room, where the impeccable service at Gwen leaves an indelible mark. The staff anticipates your needs with effortless grace, ensuring that every moment of your dining experience is nothing short of extraordinary. From their expert recommendations to their genuine warmth, they make you feel like a cherished guest, elevating the overall experience to new heights.

And let's not forget the stylish and sophisticated ambiance that envelops you at Gwen. The contemporary design, with its sleek lines and muted tones, sets the backdrop for an evening of culinary indulgence. The well-curated wine list and craft cocktail selection further enhance the experience, offering the perfect complement to the exceptional dishes.

In conclusion, Gwen is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking a truly remarkable dining experience. From the moment you step through its doors, you are transported to a world where culinary craftsmanship takes center stage. The sorbet, a shining star among a constellation of extraordinary flavors, showcases the restaurant's commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining expectations. Whether you're a connoisseur of fine cuisine or simply seeking an unforgettable culinary adventure, Gwen is a destination that will leave an...