A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
By Leslee Komaiko
For dineLA.com
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Boa Steakhouse |
Nearly ten years ago, Campanile Restaurant started doing its now legendary Thursday grilled cheese night, a delicious celebration of the humble sandwich that packed the restaurant from the very start. Since then, dozens of area restaurants have launched their own thematic offerings. The idea: to entice diners to visit on nights that might otherwise be slow. The result: going out Sunday through Thursday night has never been more compelling.
Dominick’s: You can’t beat this deal. Three courses for $15 and one of the prettiest patios in town. Think panzanella salad, mushroom ravioli and other simple, soulful Italian fare. Add a bottle of the house red or white for a mere $10.
Lucques: Suzanne Goin’s celebrated restaurant releases the menus for its wildly popular Sunday suppers a few days in advance. But many regulars don’t bother previewing. Considering dishes like grilled lamb skewers with Swiss chard bread pudding, you can’t go wrong.
Grace: On this night and this night only, chef Neal Fraser and company turn out delicious burgers on homemade fleur de sel rolls and milkshakes to go along.
Boa Steakhouse: Both the Sunset Strip and Santa Monica locations of this sleek steakhouse woo wine lovers with half-priced bottles.
Ciudad: Sunday nights bring a menu of irresistible tapas, priced from $3 to $8, to Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger’s colorful pan-Latin spot. Don’t miss the goat cheese fritters and marinated anchovy.
The Stand: $1 hot dogs (beginning at 5 p.m.) are the lure to this cute San Fernando Valley family-friendly favorite.
Josie: On Monday nights at Josie Le Balch’s beloved American dining room, you can enjoy up to two of Josie’s bottles of vino — without incurring a corkage fee.
Jar: Mozzarella turns up in various forms in some dozen or so dishes offered at the bar to a cheese-loving crowd.
Literati II: Design your own burger at “Monday Night Madness,” this neighborhood hangout’s celebration of an American staple.
Jiraffe: On Monday nights, this civilized French-American spot switches out the linen tablecloths for butcher paper and offers a three-course, bistro-style menu for $40 a head.
Vincenti: On this night only, choose from half-a-dozen or so thin-crust pizzas that are offered along with the regular menu.
Campanile Restaurant: Every week chef Mark Peel and his cadre of talented chefs entice diners with a three-course seasonal dinner served family style. $40 per person.
TUESDAY
Ciudad: Every Tuesday, the kitchen cooks up a huge batch of paella for “paella on the patio.” Get yours and a choice of appetizer for $29. In inclement weather, the party moves indoors.
La Terza: Pick and choose from an array of cheeses, crudítes and Italian snacks for $10. Also available on Friday evenings.
Il Grano: Meat lovers unite. Chef Salvatorre ‘Sal’ Marino does the traditional Italian feast known as “bollito misto,” featuring boiled meats of all kinds. Also included are homemade tortellini in a rich broth and dessert. $49 per person.
Grace: Watch out Winchell’s. The regular dessert menu gets ditched on this night in favor of an all-donut menu.
Campanile Restaurant: Grilled cheese like your mama never made put Campanile at the top of LA’s favorite special options. Thin crispy fries and a salad accompany this gourmet version of a classic sandwich.
Angeli Caffe: Family-style dinners give chef Evan Kleiman an excuse to travel the culinary globe. Sometimes she sticks with Italy. Other times she ventures far abroad. Whatever her destination, count on lots of food and an appreciative, fun crowd.
Cézanne Restaurant: “Big mac” is how we like to think of the spruced up version of mac and cheese at this pretty hotel dining room. Every Thursday night, the kitchen cooks up several versions gussied up with ingredients like lobster and truffles. Indulge in a mac flight (three kinds) or just pick your favorite.
