If you want French romantic dining next time you head to Los Angeles, look no further than Estérel, which is located inside the Sofitel Beverly Hills along Beverly Boulevard.
Credit: Esterel
I’ve had countless French clients over the years, and whenever I’ve traveled with them, they’d often put me up at a Sofitel. We were thrilled to be invited to review Estérel during our Beverly Hills luxury escape and even more thrilled to learn that they had a romantic garden with heat lamps and live jazz music playing all night long.
Romantic Estérel
Estérel is all things elegant and romantic. This upscale French-Mediterranean restaurant boasts incredible cocktails, however given that we were there during Sofitel Wine Days (which started on September 21 and runs until October 31, 2017), we opted for one wine pairing menu selection and one a la carte, so we could truly experience the best of what Estérel has to offer. 
The service is what you’d expect from a fine French dining experience — attention to detail, wine is of utmost importance and there are flowers and other fine touches throughout.
From the more sophisticated decor inside to the more romantic and warm colors of the outdoor patio, we loved it all.
While I didn’t try any of their Rose, I’ve heard good things about the Le Cengle from Cote de Provence, which they had on their menu.
From champagne to a decent selection of Pinor Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, French reds, Merlot, Chardonnay, French whites, and Sauvignon Blanc, there were plenty of delicious options by the glass as well as by the bottle.
The wine pairing menu which is part of their #SofitelWineDays promotion, they offered a four course menu with wine pairing for around $100. Their first course was a Mussels Cataplana, prepared with Shallots, Garlic, Chorizo (nice twist), tomato and chili flakes. They paired this with their Charles & Charles Art den Hoed Riesling which Anthony loved.
Their second course was the Endive and Apple Salad (great for gluten free diners), which they toss in a Balsamic Vinegar and serve with Point Reyes Blue Cheese and candied walnuts. It was paired with a Louis Jadot Bourgogne French Chardonnay.
Endive and Apple Salad with candied walnuts
The third course was a Tuna Putanesca with capers and black olives, accompanied by a 2014 Villa Nozzole Chianti Classico DOCG.
The chocolate Mousse Pryamid came out last which consisted of Gianduja, chocolate sponge and white chocolate drops — it was simply divine! They paired this #SofitelWineDays dessert with the the Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon.
Because I opted to go a la carte so we could sample a variety of dishes to expand our knowledge of their menu, I went for the Tuna Tartar to start and paired it with the same French Chardonnay they used in their wine pairing menu: the Louis Jadot Bourgogne.
I had to try the Roasted baby beet salad with garlic toasted almonds (so delish!) which they tossed in a Sherry Vinaigrette. For my main, I kept things light and ordered the Seared Salmon which they prepare with French Beans (of course), Roasted red potatoes, cherry tomatoes and a Black Olive Vinaigrette.
Roasted Baby Beets Salad
Salmon with French Beans
Meat lovers will be happy to know that they offer a Lamb Rack on the menu, as well as a Filet Mignon with roasted baby squash and a burger. They also offer a half grilled lobster with fava beans and asparagus and a Mushroom Risotto for the vegetarians among you.
The outdoor patio at Esterel late in the evening!
Would we return? You betcha! The ambiance, service and food were outstanding and we were given an added bonus of the live music down the hall. Bravo!
DETAILS:
Estérel
Sofitel LA at Beverly Hills
8555 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90048
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Note: we were hosted by the Estérel Restaurant but all opinions expressed are entirely our own.
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
