Le Comptoir at Tiara Cafe (in downtown L.A.) is a temporary, pop-up restaurant by Chef Gary Menes. Peter and I have been HUGE fans of Gary’s ever since he cooked at Marche’, which was our favorite neighborhood spot before it shuttered last year.
I was actually kind of broken-hearted when the Sherman Oaks restaurant closed. Marche’ was our local jewel, our special night out with friends, our proof that the valley had destination dining too.
Chef Menes’ impressive resume includes (to name a few) working in the kitchens of Patina, Palate Food and Wine, and Thomas Keller’s French Laundry. If you haven’t been lucky enough to taste his food yet, email for a coveted counter seat at Le Comptoir before the pop-up ends. Gary’s not only a super-talented chef, but one of the most genuine and kindest as well.
Our beautiful evening at Le Comptoir:
Amuse: (Chef Gary Menes said this dish was inspired by Chef Alain Passard) Pressure cooked beets from Kelli Johnson’s urban farm in long beach, lime pudding, homemade cheese with raw milk, little celery.
San Marzano Tomato Veloute, Yogurt, Celery
Sunny Side-Up Egg, Young Lettuce Herbs, Sorrel Jus. We mixed the ingredients ourselves, starting with melting butter in the sizzling pan. I love playing with my food!
Blue Hubbard Squash, Brussels Sprouts, Dried Cherry Marmalade, Smoked Scallions, Santa Barbara Chanterelles, Spanish Padron Peppers.
Grass Fed New York Strip, 72-Hour Braised Short Ribs, Hearts of Romaine, Carrots, Forbidden Rice, Currant Relish
Sourdough donut holes, cinnamon suger, nutella, candied walnuts
Sous Wesley Avila, Beautiful eggs from Kelly Johnson’s farm in Long Beach.
Dining at the counter, means the BEST SEATS in the house! I could have sat there all evening watching Chef Menes plating dishes. Note: “Le Comptoir” means the counter.
Brenden Day, commis
The culinary team (from left to right)
Wesley Avila, sous chef
Gary Menes, chef
Joachim Cooder, commis
Brenden Day, commis
Le Comptoir at Tiara Cafe
All my photos of Chef Gary Menes’ food!
Jonathan Gold Reviews Le Comptoir
Also on Jonathan Gold’s 99 MUST list!
Le Comptoir at Tiara Cafe
127 East 9th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Website
Thu – Sat: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Reserve Here of via email LeComptoirLA@gmail.com
$46 for 5 Courses
$24 for Wine Pairing
Follow Chef Gary Menes on Twitter
Dining date: 11/12/11
my last bite... 
I can’t believe the colors in those dishes. It looks almost too pretty to eat! Does a “pop up” restaurant mean that it’s temporary?
Hi. Yes, “Pop up” is definitely a temporary event. Thanks for visiting my blog! Cheers, Jo
This seems like a great meal. Looking forward to trying Gary Menes’ food in a new setting. Funny that you enjoy playing with your food. Who doesn’t?
I miss Marche as well! Yay, Gary! This looks awesome
That looks amazing! And I agree, if given the opportunity, I always like to sit at the counter so I can watch the kitchen. This looks like a “must-go”.
I am totally in love with your blog. Thanks for pointing out some amazing new places to add to the list! Must try Le Comptoir!
Thanks Joanie!
Gary has now made his reservations available on Urbanspoon:
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/5/1634794/restaurant/Downtown/Le-Comptoir-LA
You should add your blog to his page as well!
Thanks Colby!
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