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When I think about
fine dining restaurants, typically I think about bigger cities and
popular television shows featuring celebrity chefs. This is an attitude
shared by many Greenville residents. The thing is, very few
establishments in this area offer that kind of dining experience. After
seeing a lack of fine dining options in the area, California native
Tamalyn Torrecilla, decided to give Greenville a touch of West Coast
flair, when she opened LA Lounge. Situated adjacent from its sister
establishment, LA Spa, LA Lounge is located on the third floor of the
beautifully restored Jefferson's building in Downtown Greenville. An
elaborate and beautiful dining area with an eclectic assortment of
furniture including bubble chrome seats suspended from the ceiling,
couches, and lounge chairs may be intimidating at first glance, but is
very cozy and welcoming.
The southern cuisine inspired menu, served up by Washington, NC native
Chef John Schatz, features the freshest local produce and seafood. "Not
only does buying locally ensure the best tasting food," said Schatz "it
keeps the money in our community." In addition to buying locally, LA
Lounge's meat dishes are made from animals raised on free-range farms.
"Using meat from free-range farms isn't just more humane, it's much
healthier."
After a quick elevator ride and a short walk past LA Spa, I step into
the restaurant. I was warmly greeted and seated at a beautiful wood
table overlooking the Evans Street strip. After some recommendations
from the house, and complete indecision, I left my meal choices up to
the Chef. After a short wait, my appetizer arrives. I am delivered the
Buffalo Mozzarella and Fried Green Tomato stack by my well dressed and
polite server. Not completely accustomed to fine dining myself, this was
a bit intimidating. The appetizer was extremely well presented.
Decorated with a balsamic vinegar reduction and garnished with little
bits of fresh oregano and basil made this snack as eye appealing as it
was tasty.
After finishing my starter, my waiter returned, replacing my now dirty
silverware with clean utensils. After returning my first cleared plate
to the kitchen, the waiter returns with my next course. Yet again, a
well presented plate is placed in front of me, and the dish is
explained. I didn't need an explanation for this one however; I know the
South's favorite meat well. This was the Herb Grilled Pork Tenderloin
with a side of white cheddar macaroni. The pork was amazingly moist and
flavored with apple cider vinegar, and topped with a sweet onion and
peach compote. Any eastern North Carolina native will identify with this
dish.
Again my waiter collects my empty plate, replaces my silverware, and
heads back to the kitchen, only to return a few moments later with the
next round. Again, the explanation of this dish was not necessary. This
is a classic dish of the Carolina coast, Shrimp Etoufee, also known as
"Shrimp 'n' Grits." Ok, I hear some of you
now………Shrimp…..and…..Grits? Trust me; it's a taste of heaven.
Locally caught shrimp, freshly grounded pimento cheese grits, smoked
tomato concasee, and a very tasty chicken and green apple version of
andouille sausage bring this classic to a new dimension. After finishing
this round, I quickly realize that there was sadly no room for anything
from the mouth watering dessert menu.
Overall, LA Lounge lives up and surpasses the expectations I had for a
fine dining establishment. They feature drinks that are as painstakingly
crafted as the food. Though priced higher than your typical Greenville
restaurant, the pampering of taste buds is well worth the expense. If
you prefer, LA Lounge offers a very nice and lower priced lunch menu,
which best feature, in my opinion is the 8oz Bison Burger. The service
is fast, professional, and friendly, the food was fantastic, and the
atmosphere, though different, was very comfortable.
Located at 330 Evans Street in Downtown Greenville, LA Lounge is open
for lunch Monday – Saturday; 11am-2pm and dinner Monday-Saturday
5pm-11pm. For more information or reservations call 252-414-4555 or
visit
http://www.laloungeandspa.com/.
Location: C | Atmosphere: A | Service: A+ | Food
Quality: A+
Price Range: Lunch: $4 - $12 per meal / Dinner: $19 - $34 per meal
Overall Grade: A
Want to see your favorite restaurant in G-Vegas Magazine? Email your
suggestions to thebigus@yahoo.com
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