Cafe Bizou

went here recently for the first time a couple of months ago, and had a really good meal. I’d describe their menu as kind of comfort food plus gourmet elements. I was there for their “Lobster Fest” special (celebrating some anniversary of the restaurant). The choices for the lobster special prix fix were almost the same as the current Jan-Feb dineLA options. Here’s what I had:

- TUNA TARTARE (tuna tartare with shallots, capers, chives, and lemon on smoked salmon): This was A light, non-greasy yet satisfying appetizer, a surprisingly fresh take on the passe tuna tartare. I had never had tuna tartare in combination with smoked salmon, and the pairing was quite good. They also came with thin slices of cucumber which added a freshness as well as with some crostini on which to top the tartare and salmon.

- LOBSTER TAGALLINI PASTA (black squid ink tagallini pasta with chunks of lobster with tomato mushroom in a lobster vodka sauce): This was the highlight of the meal. I adore squid ink pasta, and this dish for me was great. The combination of tomatoes and mushrooms in the lobster vodka sauce provided a delicious contrast to the “squid-iness” of the pasta without overpowering the flavor of the noodles. Unlike so many places, they did not souse the pasta with sauce, but rather, just lightly coated each strand of noodle. Also, the chunks of lobster were huge and very satisfying. I felt like I was eating two seafood dishes since the combination of the pasta and lobster was so hearty!

- FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE: This was the most “basic” out of all the dishes, but it was a solid finisher nonetheless. I liked the fact that it wasn’t overly sweet.

Service is also very friendly, and there is a parking structure (I think just a couple of bunks) about a block and a half away. Oh, and $2 corkage! All in all, thumbs up to Cafe Bizou, if for nothing else but that black squid ink pasta!