Redbird

A little more than 2 years after opening, I finally visited Redbird. I wasn't able to dine at chef Neil Fraser's Grace before it closed, so I pushed Redbird to the top of my list once I heard about Redbird. This is more than enough time to work out some of the kinks during the first year of operation. A friend who visited not too long after opening told me about her bad experience at the restaurant. The night Dudamel showed up for dinner, her table was completely ignored. Knowing how service levels at fine dining restaurants are important to me, she told me not to visit or wait a bit.

The restaurant is located in the former center (archdiocese) of the Catholic Church of Los Angeles. The cathedral was built in 1876. Redbird is a named after the cardinals that lived on the property.

We arrived an hour early and decided to grab a drink a the bar and lounge area. About an hour later, we were ushered over to our table in the center of the gorgeous dining room with a retractable ceiling. A perfect date night spot I thought after looking up. The room was a bit smaller than what I imagined it being. Being DineLA week, we ordered selected items from the DineLA menu with additional dishes we selected and a few other dishes compliments of the kitchen.

Shishito Peppers with crispy quinoa (a welcome dish compliments of the kitchen sent out to us while at the bar)

Kentucky Colonel - bourbon, benedictine, bitters, orange essence (a welcome drink compliments of the kitchen)

Mixed bread bag and butter - Warm rolls and cheese rolls (reminiscent of pão de queijo) 

Braised Goat - chickpea pancake, fava beans, green salsa (DineLA menu)

 Burrata Salad - grilled apricot, plums, pistachio, duck prosciutto 

 Ivan the Terrible - off menu, bartender's choice

Gnocchi dish (a surprise dish sent out to us compliments of the kitchen)

King Salmon - corn poblano chilis, mole verde (DineLA menu)

Barbecue Smoked Tofu - beluga lentils, swiss chard, red wine truffle nage

Chocolate Mousse Bar - praline, passion fruit sorbet ​​(sent out compliments of the kitchen)

​ Cookies & Milk - warm confections, bourbon vanilla milkshake (DineLA menu)

The king salmon with mole left us a little confused. We were expecting a mole sauce, but it was accompanied with a relish more than a mole sauce. The tofu dish was interesting. This dish is Mr. Jonathan Gold's recommended dish. Even though it was tofu, it had the feel of a hefty barbecued meat dish. The pork dish sent out to us was a salty dish (reminding us of bacon).

The milk and warm plate of cookies/brownie were definitely shareable, but a bit too sweet for us and a bit much after all that we had already eaten (and drank). We both enjoyed sipping on the the bourbon vanilla milkshake that accompanied this dessert dish.  It's a small serving of shake. I took a couple tiny sips to taste. I wanted to have a larger serving of the shake to match the quantity of sweets on this plate. We both preferred the elegantly presented chocolate bar and passion fruit sorbet dessert sent out over the milk and cookies plate.

We were both pleased with the 2.5 hour dining experience at Redbird. From the craft cocktails to the food and to the service, the entire team did an outstanding job ensuring our time dining at Redbird was enjoyable. The service level was professional throughout the evening.  

Of the dishes we tasted, the braised goat over the chickpea pancake (reminded me of Venezuelan pancake cachapa) and shishito peppers with crispy quinoa exemplified New Angeleno cooking or the cuisine of Los Angeles.

Definitely one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles when it comes to Los Angeles-style (fine) dining. If you're looking to impress that special someone or maybe a client of yours, Redbird is the perfect dining venue.