Ysabel

Ysabel in West Hollywood is a stylish dining spot featuring a cozy alfresco courtyard, globally-inspired dishes and a delicious cocktails menu

There is something truly beautiful about having the same group of people in my life as in middle school. It’s the definition of Day Ones. Those are the people that you can completely trust with the big and small moments of your life.

For this dinner with Sara and Ted, I knew that I wanted to go somewhere beautiful to put a bow on the year. Ysabel on Fairfax was agreed upon, and I made reservations.

Entering the restaurant, I was immediately pleased. It was classic take on modern West Hollywood dining aesthetics.

Settling in, I ordered the BIG SUR ENERGY (Old Forester 86 Bourbon, Braulio Amaro, Skinos Mastiha, Hazelnut, Aztec Chocolate Bitters), which is Ysabel’s take on a classic Old Fashioned. This was lovely and smooth and presented deliciously.

The SPICY TUNA TARTARE (crispy rice cake, serrano chili, sweet soy) was a delicious presentation of tuna on crispy rice.

The CRISPY SESAME SHRIMP (spicy soy dipping sauce) was up next – and was delicious. We all loved the presentation – and the taste of the soy dipping sauce. The light coating on the shrimp was *chef’s kiss*.

I ordered the SOMETHING ABOUT CHERRY (Tito’s Vodka, Creme de Noyaux, North Coast Tart Cherry, Lychee, Orgreat, Fresh Lemon) to go along with the array of our main courses.

What I absolutely loved about this lychee based drink – above the taste – was the stunning stemware it was served in.

The PAN SEARED SCALLOPS (celery root puree, brown butter, marcona almonds, golden raisins) was up first – which was love at first bite.

When the 8 OZ PRIME FILET MIGNON (All Natural Angus Beef) arrived, we were all excited.  For this, I requested the CHIMICHURRI and BÉARNAISE sauces – because, why not? After all, the choices reminded me of the at beef filet I savored at 45 Grill & Health in Switzerland. It was delicious and perfect to share between the three of us.

We opted to have the HAND CUT RIGATONI (tomato vodka sauce, Calabrian chili, basil) without a protein. Instead we devoured the dish on its own – and honestly, with the steak alongside, it didn’t need anything. It was that delicious.

To end the meal and complete the evening, of course we ordered the dessert. For this, we ate spoonfuls of the BUTTERSCOTCH BUDINO (Whipped Creme Fraiche, Chocolate Cigar).

To eat dinner and share conversation and laughs with a solid core of friends that I’ve known for over 20 years? Priceless.

With good food and quality conversation, the night at Ysabel set the stage for a perfect evening among friends.

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