Anaiah Shehori
Google
I have been really sick for years and haven’t been out in almost two years. So finding a restaurant to celebrate Christmas Eve for the first time in a while was pretty important to me.
Once I saw the pictures of Arden on OpenTable I knew I just had to go there. Obviously, the food and service had to considered to. After a deep dive of photos, reviews, and reading their Christmas Eve pri fix meal options, it was settled. We were going to Arden!
Making a reservation and special seating requests was so easy. They also are one of the few newer restaurants that actually answer their phone. I was running a few minutes late and they were really accommodating.
The valet was cheaper than taking a ride share service and the gentleman was so polite.
Walking up to the entrance was gorgeous. It just kept getting more and more beautiful as we ascended the steps and made it to the restaurant floor. Luckily, they also are very wheelchair/handicapable! I normally am in a wheelchair and would have easily just ramped up to their wheelchair elevator and been let out on the main floor.
Once we made it up to the floor we were immediately greeted by a very kind employee who assisted in helping us find the perfect table for my needs. Water and my requested coke almost immediately showed up at the table!
Our waitress, Mika, just made out night. She was extremely informed about every dish listed in each category on the menu. Food arrived promptly, hot, and with a smile. I needed a slight change to the dish I really wanted. And even though there were no substitutions, she came up with a great idea and made it happen for me so I could enjoy my meal.
Mika had a fabulous disposition, was funny and kind, and was available/checked in the perfect intervals. Plenty of service without being smothered. We never felt rushed, even though they were busy. She kept my water and coke filled without asking, helped us adjust the heat when needed while keeping other customers comfortable, and was just an all around delight. She completely made our night.
Additionally, I have to commend the pastry chef, specifically for making literally the best puff pastry I’ve ever had. My appetizer was a sheer delight for the senses and that puff pastry made it. I almost want the recipe.
At the end of the meal, Mika showed us the best place to take a few couple pictures. When she noticed the very kind busser was maybe taking photos I wouldn’t have chosen, she stepped in a snapped the perfect pictures.
All in all, it was the perfect evening. Finally going out with my amazing husband to a restaurant. The noise level was perfect for conversation, and the staff and ambience were the *perfect* backdrop.
I can’t wait to go back and try their regular menu. Which I was kindly informed changes seasonally. So if there were certain dishes we wanted to try (the prawns and truffle pizza were called out specifically), we were kindly told to make it back before the new year.
As a Los Angeles native, I’ve seen many restaurants come and go. It was a pleasure to see a restaurant that not only put money into the look and marketing, but solid staff, exceptional ingredients, and wonderful food!
I can’t recommend them enough. Below are pictures of some of our food (sadly we missed taking the entree pictures….it just was so tantalizingly gorgeous, I jumped right in!).
Do yourself a favor a check out Arden for brunch, lunch, dinner, and it’s really awesome speak easy! You won’t be disappointed.