Budget eating at the high end XIV in LA

Note: SO I have an awesome guest blogger, Melissa Stephans, who will be giving us regular updates on LA beauty and food!!! I’ve been meaning to get more West coast picks in here, so I’m really excited to have her indulging us 🙂 Hopefully, once I get to relaunch, I’ll include more detailed author bios! Her first entry below:
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Not all the effects of the economic crisis are that bad, you know. Take restaurants like XIV by Michael Mina for instance, which are trying to lure diners back to the table with budget-themed menus. Every day between 5pm-8pm, The Terrace at XIV offers a special “6ix on Sunset” menu featuring six cocktails and six dishes for $6 a piece.

OK, I know that people-watching on the Sunset Strip while feasting on the exquisite creations of a two-time James Beard Award winner (think Oscars for foodies) for only $6 sounds too good to be true, so here is the full scoop: While this is a great place to meet friends, oogle L.A.’s pretty people, and grab an inexpensive drink, don’t come hungry for more than a bite-sized treat.

The menu offers six impressive food selections, like the Trio of Duck Fat Fries, Lobster Corn Dogs, and Truffle Popcorn (all delicious!)…but they are more focused on highlighting quality over quantity.

The duck fat fries are most popular, but before you cringe at the idea of them being cooked in duck fat, just know that’s only meant to add a slightly warmer flavor to the fries.

My favorite appetizer is the Hamachi & Ahi Tartare Poppers. I couldn’t understand why they called them “poppers” since they’re not fried. That is, until I popped the crunchy tidbits into my mouth and didn’t stop until the waiter cut me off.

The fun ends at 8pm sharp and the slightly snobby waiter is serious about timing.

Restaurant Info:
XIV by Michael Mina
8117 Sunset Blvd. at Crescent Heights
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323-656-1414
Sunset Strip

-Melissa

Melissa Stephans is a fashionista turned foodie. She recently found her way back to L.A. after a seven year stint in New York.