Thread: Melisse in Santa Monica

Wife and I went to Melisse in Santa Monica tonight and let me just say that it was an absolute delight. This place was rated 2 Michelin Stars, which in Los Angeles places them in the same class as Urasawa, Providence, and Spago.

In my opinion, it is tied at the top of the 2 star class with Urasawa. It beat out Providence simply because the courses were more rounded and the difference in variety from one dish to the next kept the experience "fresh". Providence was a great experience as well, however it was too much centered around fish. I recall leaving Providence wishing that they had differentiated their dishes enough so that the theme of fish wasn't so overpowering. But do not read that as Providence was unenjoyable because like everyone else who has been, I concur it is still one of the best restaurants in LA.

But moving on, Melisse reminds me a little of Joel Rubechon in Vegas. Their dishes are very different from one course to the next. And as such you never got tired of the presentation or taste.

We did the 10 Year Anniversary (available until the end of this year) tasting menu which was 10 courses and cost a reasonable $150 per person. Wine paring was an extra $95 per person on top. The experience came out to 2 and half hours.


1st - Scallop with seasoning
2nd - Egg Caviar
3rd - Tuna Tartar
4th - Mandarin Tomatoe Soup (though this would be ordinary, but blew us away)
5th - Seared Foie Gras (this dish is worth the price of admission alone)
6th - Maine Lobster and Sweet Corn Ravioli (OMFG FTMFW)
7th - Crispy Anguille (fish)
8th - Cote de Boeuf
9th - Pear Tart / wife had the Passion Fruit Yogurt
10th - Chocolate dessert (need we say more?)
11th - Passion Fruit Parfait (what a way to bring it to a close)
Last but not least a little tray of cookies and plum whilst you wait for the check.

Check it out folks. 5/5

i liked melisse a lot, i preferred providence a little bit more. both places are amazing.

not to flame you specifically, but why do people break out the cameras to take pictures of their courses? i know it's special occasion and celebratory to go to nice restaurants, but i always felt it was a bit tacky.

Thanks for sharing. I will have to try it next time I'm out that way.
As for taking pics of food, I love snapping pics of meals to share with others.
How is food any different than anything else you would photograph?
It's neat to share the experience with others that might not ever get to eat food like this or to wet their appetite for that meal in the future.

Originally Posted by op487062

not to flame you specifically, but why do people break out the cameras to take pictures of their courses? i know it's special occasion and celebratory to go to nice restaurants, but i always felt it was a bit tacky.

LOL. You know...I kind of agree with you in some ways. There are times when I see others busting out their cameras and I think the same thing. It does make one feel self conscious.

But on some occassions where the meal prepared starts to resemble art on canvus, I instinctly draw out the iphone and start snapping away. It's not necessarily to share as I did in this case with members of L4P, but moreso to create a personal gallery of the places I've been and experienced.

Great post, thanks for sharing!

Originally Posted by secure

As for taking pics of food, I love snapping pics of meals to share with others. How is food any different than anything else you would photograph? It's neat to share the experience with others that might not ever get to eat food like this or to wet their appetite for that meal in the future.

Well said Mitch. I love to share my food experiences, and live vicariously through others!

Speaking of which, you are slacking!

Thanks for the rec. I will check the place out. Looking for something new these days.