"LATE TO THE PARTY"

As an unabashed "foodie" -- which I take to mean is someone who not only appreciates great food but is up on the latest restaurant openings, and/or is a frequent restaurant reviewer on Trip Advisor or OpenTable, and/or follows the world of food in general -- one might be surprised that the celebrated restaurant Republique on La Brea in L.A. (former site of the beloved Campanile) had until heretofore gone untried. That all changed when it came time to pick a spot for the hubby's recent birthday.  

Of course when to go is as much of a challenge as where to go in our world, because no decisions can be made until the baseball playoff schedule is announced.  In fact, few social plans can be made at all in the month of October for that very reason.  Hey, friends, it ain't me.

Other than keeping a mental list of places we'd like to go or go back to, often I'll peruse Open Table's listings (sorted in order by ranking) and perhaps Zagat's as well. Since the date was to be mid-week, a reservation at Republique that wasn't either 5:30 or 9:30 was readily available.

The communal tables in the front area of the restaurant

First surprise was the restaurant confirmed the Open Table reservation via text message.   I'm all for efficiency, but to me this was very impersonal. Nevertheless, I promptly responded in the affirmative and asked about their corkage fee plus reminded them of my prior request for a separate table instead of their communal seating arrangements. Communal tables are definitely a generational thing where people can go to eat alone and busy themselves with their devices so as to assuage any apprehension about eating alone.  Not our thing.  

Upon arrival, we were told we must wait for all four in our party to arrive prior to being seated.  I asked if that would impact our requested table for four, to which the young lady asked if I had requested that. Well, only twice.  It was very loud in the front area of said communal tables and bar area (packed by 6:30), yet the back room where the traditional tables are located was nearly empty.  Hmmm.  Within minutes the hubby was engaged in a "lively" conversation with the manager; #3 in our party had arrived and we were very promptly seated (#4 walked a minute or so later).   Not the best start.

Our table in the back of the restaurant

After all that, the wine was properly decanted, the service was attentive and well paced, and renowned chef Walter Manzke's food was just delicious.  The menu has many plates meant to be shared, whether that be a platter of charcuterie or salads or mains. Everything we tried was excellent.  So will we go back?  Probably. But for brunch first, about which we've heard rave reviews.  But, please, no communal tables.

Left:  Burrata/beet crostini; Right top:  sweet potato beignets
Right bottom:  Wonderfully fresh salad with Green Goddess dressing

Top:  Rotisserie Chicken with Fingerling Potatoes (served in the skillet);
Below left:  Spinach Cavatelli; Right Agnoletti

The desserts:  top is a "deconstructed" cheesecake, although I was chastised
 for using such an out-of-date term (so three years ago I was told);
bottom is a seasonal fruit crumble.