My family often goes to our neighborhood spot SUR LA PLACE on MacArthur Blvd in the Palisades, when I head out of town for the weekend or such, but this past Sunday we went with friends and had a truly memorable and wonderful time as always.
On Sunday-Thursday they also have selected wines by the bottle and glass for 1/2 price so we got an awesome NORTON 2012 Reserva Malbec from Mendoza for just $17.00!! Who can beat that?
Samuel has become enamored of their Creamy Potato & Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon, and who wouldn't love this creamy concoction that oozes with flavor. Will tried the Wild Mushroom Ragout starter which is served with Grilled Garlic Toast and has added flavor as it too includes sautéed leeks. I went light with the Hearts of Palm Salad with Baby Spinach, Asparagus, Sliced Apples and a Citrus Vinaigrette.
For main courses Samuel always orders the Steak Frites and gobbles it up with the tasty Béarnaise Sauce (when served his steak the sauce was missing, and he gave us this look, but it showed up seconds later). Speaking of service it is as friendly as it can get here and our server Tula is always a gem, as is the entire staff. Any request can be made as was with our gluten-free friend who asked for her Mushroom Ragout without the toast and substitutions of Haricots Verts for Wilted Spinach on her tasty Rack of Lamb with Pomme Gratin a Red Wine reduction. Her son chose the Merguez Sausage & Frites as well and while I always want to enjoy their multitude of sausage options, I inadvertently end up ordering Moules/Frites. Sunday I chose the SNOB which is with Celery, Onion, Herbs, Lobster Bisque, Garlic & Brandy. The bisque is not too thick, yet easy to enjoy by the spoonful before, during and after eating the tasty kilo of mussels and crunchy fries. Sur La Place now offers fixed price meals as well with courses running $34 if you choose a meat or fish entrée and $30 if mussels. Will opted for POP-EYE which has the always present base of Celery, Onion & Herbs, here with Spinach, Bacon, Cream & Parmesan Cheese added.
We were all so stuffed that we couldn't even think of dessert, so Tila said that since the price of the fixed price with a starter was cheaper anyway, next time we could all have free desserts or a free glass of wine. What a deal! So now we have to go back sooner than later and I think Will & Sam are headed there when I head out of town next anyway!
