Darian E.
Yelp
Upbeat, airy, sophisticated, yet not pretentious, Cara oozes Los Angeles.
Cara is a trendy East Hollywood establishment that offers eclectic Californian cuisine at an appropriate price, laid back, yet attentive service, and vibes that are carelessly chic.
Cara's drink menu is excellent, offering a series of unique cocktails at standard prices for the area. I had the "Extended Stay", a vodka and blood orange based cocktail that was crisp and delicious. For appetizers our group of four had the Little Gem Lettuce, Prosciutto and Buratta, and Yucatecan Ceviche. The Little Gem Lettuce was the star appetizer, with crisp lettuce and tangy aged parmesan cutting against tart apples and sweet dates. A generous proportion for the asking price, this salad was a perfect start to a great meal, and perhaps the best item of the entire night. The Prosciutto and Buratta was rich but not exceptional, and the Ceviche suprisingly spicy yet and delicate.
Following was the Lemon Pasta, Truffle Papperdelle, Grilled Shrimp, and a Ribeye. The Lemon Pasta was the highlight of this course, with an incredibly tangy, almost overpowering, yet addictive, lemon bite, topped with aged parmesan. The truffle papperdelle was rich, savory, but a touch heavy for my liking. The shrimp were large, cooked perfectly, with a touch of spice, letting the light shellfish contrast against the heavy items elsewhere on the menu. The Ribeye was fatty (even by Ribeye standards) and a little thin for more liking, but succulent nonetheless with a good crust.
We concluded with the Olive Oil Cake and Sticky Toffee Pudding, which were both good. The Olive Oil Cake was a little rich, and while the creme freche could have been a little lighter for balance, it was effective. The Sticky Toffee, always a personal favorite, was well aerated with good crumb and able to keep its moisture despite a flatter profile than other iterations of this dish I've seen elsewhere. The marscapone was a heavy yet classic pair, although vanilla ice cream for this version would have been more effective.
I would disagree with previous reviews stating staff seemed to be in a rush. Everyone, from the valet to hostess and waitstaff seemed at ease, despite a busy Friday evening. Our waiter Alex was attentive and patient, gave us recommendations that drove our decisions above, highlighted the Little Gem, and truly let us take our time for a meal and experience that somehow passed the three hour mark in the blink of an eye.
Value is fairly standard for a restaurant of this type. The appetizers, drinks, and desserts were all well priced, and while the Ribeye and Papperdelle were a little pricey, it was not egregious.
Ambiance is Cara's greatest strength. Set in the outdoor courtyard of an upscale hotel, somehow obscured by drapes and umbrellas, the restaurant is illuminated by sunlight by day and bulb-clad trees at night, while white walls, tables, and chairs lift the decor. Cara is very much about the vibes, and will be sure to delight a date or small group.
Food: 4/5
Service: 4.5/5
Ambiance / Facility: 5/5
Value: 3.5/5