Living in LA, it’s hard to find great French restaurants. Yes, they do exist, but not to the extent they do in New York City, for instance. I can remember living in New York years back and not a day would go by where I didn’t pass a Parisian cafe with wicker bistro chairs and the smell of delectable pastries filling the air. Well, I don’t live there now and I rarely use walking as a mode of transportation anymore (thanks LA) so on the rare occasion that I do stumble upon a new French restaurant, I jump at the chance to check it out.
Le Petit Paris was that place.
Located in the lobby of the Old Stowell Hotel in downtown LA’s Spring Street corridor, this bi-level grand space boasts exquisite interiors including chic chandaliers, oh-so-hip artwork and French music straight out of La Vie En Rose. The staff was extremely friendly and most of the waiters speak French. I was in heaven.
When we ordered, my husband, who is an avid steak eater, had the 8 oz. Filet Mignon with frites and finished every last bite. I had the Sea Bass, which was cooked to perfection and not too fishy. Some other very popular items included the Lamb Shank, Scallops Risotto, Steak Tartare, and the Flambeed Truffle Pasta. For dessert, the Molten Chocolate Lava Cake with Salted Butter Caramel Core and the Napoleon with Bourbon Vanilla Creme left us with sweet thoughts the whole way home.
As we left that evening, Paris was on our mind. We felt like we had just experienced an authentic Parisian meal and even discussed a possible trip there. The next day, however, would be one that we would never forget –- terrorist attacks in Paris that left more than a hundred innocent people dead. A sad day we will never forget.
Je Suis Paris