2/03/2009

Conversation + Dinner: Nine Thirty At The W Los Angeles


The service at Nine Thirty was phenomenal. Jeff, our server, knew so much about the menu, he could have written a thesis on it. He was such a friendly and happy guy. What a difference some restaurant love makes.

After a hearty lunch with the Italian relatives, I just wanted a little nibble for dinner. Win, on the other hand was famished. So we did a little creative menu swapping and came up with a great meal. We ordered one meal from the three-course, Dine LA menu and an appetizer from the main menu.

I started with the Coriander Rubbed Grilled Shrimp from the main menu. Jeff described the spices as giving the shrimp an earthy taste. This amused me. I wondered if I wanted earthy tasting shellfish and decided I did. The flavor worked, quite well. And hooray, the shrimp were served with the heads attached. Americans are finally getting over their fear of seeing fish heads. Years ago in Madrid I'd discovered their delicious flavor. Oh please, if that grosses you out, get a little more adventurous. Your taste buds will thank you.

The four large shrimp were served with an arugula salad on the side. It had a few juicy pieces of mango, a little onion and two triangles of East African flat bread. How do I know it was East African? It was stated on the menu.

I followed with the Roasted Beet and Winter Citrus Salad: small multi colored beets, arugula, and onion. Underneath the greens I discovered a cracker with sheep's milk cheese, a lovely surprise.

Win had the Grilled Double Cut Pork Chop, a nicely seasoned thick chop sitting atop a beautiful orange puree of sweet potatoes and rutabaga. He followed with the cheese plate, two pretty large chunks of cheese and a mound of Marcona almonds.


My drink was a major highlight. Steph's Berry Saintsation was invented this past summer by (you guessed it) Steph. She was behind the bar last night so she made it for me. The light, fruity drink tasted like summer. It was made of St. Germain, Absolut Ruby Red Vodka, strawberries, fresh mint and a splash of soda.

I'm glad to have visited Nine Thirty at the W Hotel again. I hadn't been there in awhile. It continues to have a great menu with locally sourced organic ingredients. It never seems to be too crowded (a major plus) and it is a great place for conversation. My Italian relatives would like this place, especially because the music is not too LOUD (their major complaint with LA restaurants).

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Nine Thirty on Urbanspoon

Nine Thirty at the W Los Angeles
930 Hilgard Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 208-8765

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

was this during DineLA week Alli?

Alli & Win said...

Hi Tony: Yes, it was this Monday during DineLA Week. I see you have been eating in some great places too. The Bazaar was a great choice. Any other plans for Dine LA week?

steph said...

So..just want to let you know those pics of the food make me hungry! lol my husband and I are big fans of Anton Posniak's restaurant Nine Thirty. The food is great, the staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is a must see. Great review! (anton-posniak.org)