albert online

We were trying to get to a Mexican restaurant for dinner during my extended layover in LA when my friend drove past JiRaffe. At my request we skipped the Mexican and visited JiRaffe instead. Considering it was Friday night we weren’t sure if we’d be able to get a table but to our luck they had one open and we were quickly whisked upstairs to our table.

After looking through the menu and listening to our waiter’s heavily accented English for the day’s specials we made our order and then we waited.

Turned out we had made good decisions on the entrées. I had one of the specials of the day, foie gras served with chopped nuts and mango and this or other while my friend picked a selection from their regular menu and had their dungeness crab salad–light and refreshing, a perfect accompaniment to my selection which was much richer in flavor. Then we split an order of another entrée which I can’t remember. I think it was another special of the day. Ooops. (This is what I get for writing about it seven days later almost to the dot, minus a few hours!)

For her main she had their roasted rabbit entrée while I selected an actual main course: the caramelized pork chop.

The pork chop, aside from being too dry, was a shocking reminder of the portions served in American restaurants. After going through two entrées (well, we shared the second one, whatever it was), I was in no shape to take on this course. I ate bits and pieces of it and that was about it. I also tried my friend’s roasted rabbit and, to my surprise, I discovered I wasn’t crazy about rabbit meat. It was like chicken except with a smoother texture, which was kinda strange to my mouth. I definitely will give it a try again sometimes in the future but at the time, I really can’t say I enjoyed it all that much.

That being said, I do have a second stomach for dessert and I had their chocholate truffle cake with vanilla ice cream along with a café latte while my friend went for a black coffee. Again I found the offering to be a bit dry and I really needed that ice cream to get the cake down my throat.

Given the chance I would like to try out the restaurant again. What we had were enjoyable but I’d need a second visit to make a firm call on the restaurant.

JiRaffe
501 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Tel: +1 310 917 6671
www.jirafferestaurant.com

Also of note is that they list the 1998 Chateau Lafite Rothschild in their wine list. I would have loved to try it if it wasn’t for the USD 390 price tag. Ouch.