The InterContinental Hotel occupies the top 30 floors of the Wilshire Grand in downtown Los Angeles; the tallest skyscraper west of Chicago. Everything about the hotel is marvelous, modern and new. Including La Boucherie on 71.
La Boucherie on 71 is a sophisticated steakhouse with a French twist, offering premium steaks and seafood, a cheese atelier, charcuterie cave and an extensive selection of 1,200 curated wines, with vintages priced up to $22,000/bottle. I had made dinner reservations weeks in advance and was joined by my nephew “Roscoe” and my dear friend, “Jenna St. James”.
The high-ceilinged restaurant on the 71st floor is executed in shades of black, charcoal, white and tan with brass accents. A large arrangement of red orchids provide the only splash of color. Seating areas are separated by walls of wine bottles. We took our seats at a black marble table and admired the jaw-dropping view. Los Angeles was spread before us like a vast spider web of silver and gold strands encrusted with glittering jewels. Henry, one of our two servers, presented us with illuminated menus (think tablets).
The evening began with a Manhattan Cocktail ($21). The classic beverage, garnished with brandied cherries, is a blend of Steam Old Potrero Single Malt Rye stirred with sweet vermouth and a dash of angostura bitters. The aged small batch liquor imbues the beverage with hints of cinnamon and fig with a nutty finish. Superb.
We shared the appetizers of Oysters ($24), Filet Mignon Tartare ($26) and Duck Foie Gras ($28). The oyster platter, served on smooth river pebbles with seaweed strands and chive blossoms, features a variety of bivalve mollusks; salty Kumiai from Baja, slightly sweet Kumamoto from Puget Sound and ultra-clean flavored Kusshi from British Columbia. A side of mignonette sauce, made with minced chives, cracked pepper and vinegar, accompanied the dish. The tartare, served with brioche toast, is a timeless well-balanced blend of minced raw steak, shallots, capers and quail egg. Sublime. The melt-in-your-mouth foie gras, thin slices of flash grilled liver, is served with a smear of berry purée and small bites of caramelized apple tartin. Divine.
I ordered a Del Monico Filet Mignon ($95) for an entrée with a side of heirloom Carrots Vicchy ($13). The nicely marbled filet, ordered black and blue, is a large portion of succulent USDA certified prime beef, with a good char from the grill and a rich fatty flavor. Fried squash blossoms and grilled cherry tomatoes grace the plate. Lip-smacking good. The mélange of tender purple, orange and white carrots, served in a ceramic ramekin, are prepared with butter, sugar, salt and minced parsley. A perfect accompaniment.
I paired the steak with a glass of 2014 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir ($23). The smooth medium-bodied wine greets the palate with rhubarb and black tea, yields to blueberry and spice and finishes with lingering tannins. Satisfying.
I finished the 3-hour meal with Fresh Mango Sorbet ($9). The serving of slightly sweet and tart iciness was the ideal palate cleanser.
The table service was impeccable; attentive, but never hovering. Steak knife? Choose one of 10 blades from around the world. Mustard on the side? There are 15 varieties to consider. A little salt? Select from eight options. Seriously.
La Boucherie on 71, a unique Los Angeles experience, is perfect for intimate dining or for special occasions. Eat this, hungry readers. You’ll be glad you did.
La Boucherie on 71
Intercontinental Los Angeles Downtown
900 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Sunday: 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
213-688-7777
