Randy B.
Yelp
My girlfriend and I have been curious about this place for a while and decided to snag an early dinner reservation on a Friday night.
You enter through a food court on Colorado Blvd. and proceed to take the elevator down to the basement level. Plenty of parking throughout this area of Pasadena.
Once you hit the basement, you are instantly surround by dark walls and several bathroom doors. We were greeted by a friendly gentlemen that confirmed our reservation and opened one of the bathroom doors and told us, "Don't forget to flush." The small space had a mock toilet and sink and a flush button. Upon pressing it, the door opened, revealing this wonderfully decorated speakeasy. The hostess directed us to a comfortable booth with a table directly facing the open cocktail bar in the Main Room.
Looking around, you see lots of skulls, BDSM artwork, dim lights and dark walls, mirrors, and about a 12-15 tables in this rather small space.
Within a few moments, our server, Rachel, came over and spoke with us. We had a few questions about the menu regarding the drinks and we were told (rather impolitely) that the menu is seasonal and rotating and those drinks were not available. After asking for a few moments to look everything over, we decided to start with cocktails and soak up the experience: a rum-based experience drink, "Man And Fire," and a gin-based, "Lord and the Rings."
Having a front row seat watching the cocktail experts personally craft our drinks was incredible. They are highly skilled and take their jobs seriously. The drinks themselves were top shelf. My "Lord and the Rings" was so smooth: the Gin and Oolong Tea were perfectly blended with melon that was delicious and without aftertaste. My girl's "Man and Fire" came out with a wooden statuette that was holding a nest of ash that was lit up in a short vibrant display next to her drink, which, was also amazingly balanced with rum, citrus and sparkling wine.
After enjoying our drinks, we decided to order a few items to share. We went with: Japanese Milk Bread, Celery Salad, Braised Short Ribs and Hot Honey Pizza.
The Japanese Milk Bread was outstanding. Freshly baked, warm, and easily breakable into four equal slices, the bread is soft and the accompanying Japanese-fused butters were top notch.
The Celery Salad was OK, but definitely one that you can skip. The blend of the celery pieces with capers, lemon, pistachio and parmesan didn't pack as much flavor as what was advertised.
The Braised Short Ribs were delicious. Served on a bed of soft, creamy mashed potatoes, this was a great small, shareable option.
The Hot Honey Pizza was slightly better than average. Served warm, you get four small pieces of sausage, hot honey, mozzarella and tomato - for $22. A bit pricey for what you get, but one of the customer favorites.
After our initial experience with our first server, we noticed as the place started getting busier that the staff would rotate tables and assist as needed, and our second server was much friendly and welcoming than the first. After our meal and a second round of drinks, we asked her advice on the best dessert and she mentioned the Beignets were the best. We decided to try them.
About 15 minutes later, our dessert arrived, hot and freshly fried. They were good, not great. A little dry, with not much dough flavor. The chocolate and berry ganaches did help, but not enough to warrant a recommendation. Also, since Ladies and Gentlemen is billed as a "Cocktail Experience" first and foremost, you won't get the restaurant bonus of after-dinner drinks such as coffees or teas. Just more alcohol.
Overall, I felt that the experience was good enough to try. Once. The prices are high for the value received, but hey, it's a night out. I think there are certain ways for L&G to enhance the food to meet the cocktail experience level, which is really the only thing stopping me from stamping this speakeasy with a five-star rating.