Manuela — Restaurant in Los Angeles

As a whole, the food was phenomenal, the host was excellent, and the food runner and busser were lovely - the server, Luke, however, not so much. The night started out very well with the host. He was very kind and accommodating. We had the pork chop, the duck, the halibut, the smoked trout, the shrimp aguachile, the snap peas, the potatoes, and the saffron ice cream. There was not a touch of blandness. My favorite was the duck, though I would say that parts of it were a bit too aggressively spiced - but, again, that's better than blandness. I wish it were still paired with plums like it used to be. The server I originally desired, Christine, was unfortunately not there - but she was on maternity leave, so much congratulations to her! The only problem, albeit a major problem, was the service by our server. Apparently his name is Luke according to the receipt. It was the third-worst service by a server I have ever had in my life, the only worse service being by Cheesecake Factory and Red Robin - though, to be fair, I have also had excellent experiences at both of those restaurants with other servers. From the first impression, I got red flags when he didn't even introduce himself. It is acceptable if a kind host doesn't do that, but if a server who is here to serve and help you for 90-120 minutes at your table doesn't do that, then it suggests that they are not emotionally with you and that they are not are proud of their output. Overall, he was very detached and half-assed. Pretty much all he did was take our order and give us the bill. No guests should be treated that passively by their server, especially ones who were there to celebrate a birthday. At my job, the servers are supposed to introduce themselves, regularly "touch" the table, and be present at the table when food is being delivered to ensure accuracy. Not only did he do neither of those things, but he lacked heart, soul, and spirit. My general manager would not allow an employee to get away with that and keep working. It is wild that at the most expensive restaurant I have ever been to, I received the third-worst service in my life. At these expensive food prices, the service should be above and beyond like the food itself. So overall, that was disappointing though I enjoyed some stellar food. The saffron ice cream was a tasty blend of sweet and savory, and I loved that warm spice - though I suggested bringing back the elote tres leches and the goat cheese cake because I really missed those on the dessert menu! I was debating between 3 stars and 4 stars because there were so many gold-star aspects, but unfortunately the service by the server is an extremely important aspect that occurs throughout the entirety of the experience, and that was an absolute letdown from Luke; thus, the 1-star service by the server counterbalances with the 5-star elements to end...

Made a last-minute reservation for 9pm on Saturday. Noted it was my husband's birthday in the reservation notes. It was neither acknowledged nor was a candle added to our dessert so that was a bit of a bummer. Not the end of the world, though. The cream biscuits first course is enough of a reason to come back again. I would bathe myself in that honey whipped butter if I could. The ham was delicious, and although it's January and I'm trying to cut back on unnecessary carbs, I'd be overweight for eternity if it meant I could have one of those hot biscuits at every meal until I died. The ocean trout tartare w the mandolined fennel and the toasted bread (it's GOTTA be bread from Bub & Grandma's, no???) was delicious. As was the baby market lettuce salad, and I should say, a perfect, generous portion to share for two people. The salad came perfectly dressed, had great textures, and was stunning visually. Unfortunately both the main courses were a bit of a disappointment. Not only did they come out about 3 minutes after our tartare came to the table, for $43 each, I expected more nuance to each dish. We got the scallops and the pork chop and they were both one note, kinda 'basic', as the kids would say. I had also asked the server for her recommendation and she didn't really give one. She just explained each dish in more detail. She did the same w dessert... I was in the service industry for over a decade, worked at Michelin starred restaurant, in fact. I always thought it was imperative to steer my guests in the 'right' direction. Maybe in a really bougie restaurant there shouldn't be a right and wrong direction. But c'mon: let's be real. Not every single thing on a menu is going to be like those damn biscuits and there WILL be duds. And if you want repeat guests, wouldn't you want to steer them toward the best dishes on the menu??? I can read, I'm not asking for what's on the menu to be explained to me; I'm asking you what you think is the best, in your opinion... you know? ;) This place has 'family meal' and you all try these dishes, no?? That said, both main courses were also generous portions and given the price point, this was a nice silver lining. Key lime pie was good. Very different than I was expecting, incredibly dense and not tart at all, but still...

My husband wanted to take our dog to a pet friendly restaurant where we could have brunch. Kind of random, but I was down.

Manuela is in the heart of the LA Arts District. There is parking on the street and in nearby lots. The neighborhood felt safe and comfortable as we walked looking for the restaurant which is accessed through a gallery. The gallery opens to a lovely, open-air patio setting where the restaurant is located. Absolutely LOVED this!

And now the experience- We didn't have reservations and though the restaurant was busy we were seated immediately and quickly greeted by our server. I ordered the Monsignor Martinez to drink and It was just the right amount if sweet (not too) and delicious. And strong! My husband ordered the Sangria which he enjoyed. We ordered beignets (ok, I ordered beignets) which arrived hot, and crisp with a light dusting of powdered sugar and melon jelly, something I had never tried before and was very pleasantly surprised by. I was in NOLA frequently before Katrina and these beignets stirred pleasant memories. For my meal, I ordered the House Bacon because of the Pencil Cob Grits (yellow grits) it comes with. I haven't had yellow grits from a restaurant in LA ever. And I'm a native. They were perfectly cooked and very tasty with the grilled maple bacon. My husband got the Louisiana Shrimp Aguachile which he wished had a bit more flavor. He also ordered the Shrimp and rice grits. The rice grits were textured more like a soft polenta and the shrimp was full of flavor (he made me taste). We enjoyed that dish.

After we ate, we wandered through their garden (complete with a chicken coop) which was close by and easily accessible but far enough from the dining area where I didn't know there were live chickens there.

I really like how Manuela felt and when I think of it now, I feel that feeling again. Definitely going back, with it...