The L is midtowns hidden gem. Its best kept secret. We strolled in to the L on this months "Second Saturday" and were greeted with a smile by an attentive, and delightful staff. Offering to take our coats, and to step us through the interesting and inspiring seasonal menu made by chef Ame Harrington, ( I've heard she's the chef to watch out for) I was amazed at how comfortable I felt at this place. Despite the fact that there was so much going on, I was promtly delivered Amuse Bouche, (a lovely little cup of Red Pepper soup spiced with corriander) and this is something that not all places do. That, and the "L Dust" bread and nut mix was off the charts! So interesting, a blend of sesame seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, corriander and cumin, the Apollo Olive Oil and Old Sould Bakery Bread, its almost like the Chef is letting you know that the food is going to look forward to. My server stepped me through the menu and was so passionate about each dish, we wanted to order everything! (So I started taking notes to tell my friends and family) We were encouraged to share our plates and pair our food with wine and basically let the server guide us to that, and in all my years of wining and dining, I must say I was IMPRESSED. The pan seared diver scallops on blood orange buerre blanc, flageolet beans, mirepoix and kara kara orange vinagrette was colorful, exciting and melted in my mouth with a nice glass of Ramey Chardonnay. This wine list is fantastic. No "stock" wines, just lots of hidden gems that you dont see on a typical list.
The wine director, Johnathan< I think his name was, came to the table and told us about the wines we were drinking and got us on a lovely bottle of decanted Chateneuf Du Pape that went fanstically with the Duck Confit Cassoulet and Lamb Loin... The ambiance was lively, hip, and enjoyable. I never had to ask for water refills, more bread, or really anything. My napkin was folded when I came back to my seat, chair pulled out for me and the owners both sat and talked with us. I felt like it was like going to their house! Its truly a perfect place to enjoy what I feel to be some of the best food in Sacramento.
Please do yourself and your tastebuds a favor: check out this place and pair some fantastic wine with an exciting, local, sustainable menu.
